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Puls K, Olivé-Marti AL, Hongnak S, Lamp D, Spetea M, Wolber G. Discovery of Novel, Selective, and Nonbasic Agonists for the Kappa-Opioid Receptor Determined by Salvinorin A-Based Virtual Screening. J Med Chem 2024; 67:13788-13801. [PMID: 39088801 PMCID: PMC11345774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Modulating the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) is a promising strategy for treating various human diseases. KOR agonists show potential for treating pain, pruritus, and epilepsy, while KOR antagonists show potential for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The diterpenoid Salvinorin A (SalA), a secondary metabolite of Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective KOR agonist. Unlike typical opioids, SalA lacks a basic nitrogen, which encouraged us to search for nonbasic KOR ligands. Through structure-based virtual screening using 3D pharmacophore models based on the binding mode of SalA, we identified novel, nonbasic, potent, and selective KOR agonists. In vitro studies confirmed two virtual hits, SalA-VS-07 and SalA-VS-08, as highly selective for the KOR and showing G protein-biased KOR agonist activity. Both KOR ligands share a novel spiro-moiety and a nonbasic scaffold. Our findings provide novel starting points for developing therapeutics aimed at treating pain and other conditions in which KOR is a central player.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Puls
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aina-Leonor Olivé-Marti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Siriwat Hongnak
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Lamp
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Salvinorin A and Salvia divinorum: Clinical and Forensic Aspects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020116. [PMID: 33546518 PMCID: PMC7913753 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Salvia divinorum Epling and Játiva is a perennial mint from the Lamiaceae family, endemic to Mexico, predominantly from the state of Oaxaca. Due to its psychoactive properties, S. divinorum had been used for centuries by Mazatecans for divinatory, religious, and medicinal purposes. In recent years, its use for recreational purposes, especially among adolescents and young adults, has progressively increased. The main bioactive compound underlying the hallucinogenic effects, salvinorin A, is a non-nitrogenous diterpenoid with high affinity and selectivity for the κ-opioid receptor. The aim of this work is to comprehensively review and discuss the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of S. divinorum and salvinorin A, highlighting their psychological, physiological, and toxic effects. Potential therapeutic applications and forensic aspects are also covered in this review. The leaves of S. divinorum can be chewed, drunk as an infusion, smoked, or vaporised. Absorption of salvinorin A occurs through the oral mucosa or the respiratory tract, being rapidly broken down in the gastrointestinal system to its major inactive metabolite, salvinorin B, when swallowed. Salvinorin A is rapidly distributed, with accumulation in the brain, and quickly eliminated. Its pharmacokinetic parameters parallel well with the short-lived psychoactive and physiological effects. No reports on toxicity or serious adverse outcomes were found. A variety of therapeutic applications have been proposed for S. divinorum which includes the treatment of chronic pain, gastrointestinal and mood disorders, neurological diseases, and treatment of drug dependence. Notwithstanding, there is still limited knowledge regarding the pharmacology and toxicology features of S. divinorum and salvinorin A, and this is needed due to its widespread use. Additionally, the clinical acceptance of salvinorin A has been hampered, especially due to the psychotropic side effects and misuse, turning the scientific community to the development of analogues with better pharmacological profiles.
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Spetea M, Schmidhammer H. Kappa Opioid Receptor Ligands and Pharmacology: Diphenethylamines, a Class of Structurally Distinct, Selective Kappa Opioid Ligands. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 271:163-195. [PMID: 33454858 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor (KOR), a G protein-coupled receptor, and its endogenous ligands, the dynorphins, are prominent members of the opioid neuromodulatory system. The endogenous kappa opioid system is expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and has a key role in modulating pain in central and peripheral neuronal circuits and a wide array of physiological functions and neuropsychiatric behaviors (e.g., stress, reward, emotion, motivation, cognition, epileptic seizures, itch, and diuresis). We review the latest advances in pharmacology of the KOR, chemical developments on KOR ligands with advances and challenges, and therapeutic and potential applications of KOR ligands. Diverse discovery strategies of KOR ligands targeting natural, naturally derived, and synthetic compounds with different scaffolds, as small molecules or peptides, with short or long-acting pharmacokinetics, and central or peripheral site of action, are discussed. These research efforts led to ligands with distinct pharmacological properties, as agonists, partial agonists, biased agonists, and antagonists. Differential modulation of KOR signaling represents a promising strategy for developing pharmacotherapies for several human diseases, either by activating (treatment of pain, pruritus, and epilepsy) or blocking (treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction) the receptor. We focus on the recent chemical and pharmacological advances on diphenethylamines, a new class of structurally distinct, selective KOR ligands. Design strategies and investigations to define structure-activity relationships together with in vivo pharmacology of diphenethylamines as agonists, biased agonists, and antagonists and their potential use as therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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4
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Schmidhammer H, Erli F, Guerrieri E, Spetea M. Development of Diphenethylamines as Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Ligands and Their Pharmacological Activities. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215092. [PMID: 33147885 PMCID: PMC7663249 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the opioid receptors, the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) has been gaining substantial attention as a promising molecular target for the treatment of numerous human disorders, including pain, pruritus, affective disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety), drug addiction, and neurological diseases (i.e., epilepsy). Particularly, the knowledge that activation of the KOR, opposite to the mu opioid receptor (MOR), does not produce euphoria or leads to respiratory depression or overdose, has stimulated the interest in discovering ligands targeting the KOR as novel pharmacotherapeutics. However, the KOR mediates the negative side effects of dysphoria/aversion, sedation, and psychotomimesis, with the therapeutic promise of biased agonism (i.e., selective activation of beneficial over deleterious signaling pathways) for designing safer KOR therapeutics without the liabilities of conventional KOR agonists. In this review, the development of new KOR ligands from the class of diphenethylamines is presented. Specifically, we describe the design strategies, synthesis, and pharmacological activities of differently substituted diphenethylamines, where structure–activity relationships have been extensively studied. Ligands with distinct profiles as potent and selective agonists, G protein-biased agonists, and selective antagonists, and their potential use as therapeutic agents (i.e., pain treatment) and research tools are described.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Ligands
- Pain/drug therapy
- Pain/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Weiss D, Karpiak J, Huang XP, Sassano MF, Lyu J, Roth BL, Shoichet BK. Selectivity Challenges in Docking Screens for GPCR Targets and Antitargets. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6830-6845. [PMID: 29990431 PMCID: PMC6105036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To investigate large library docking's ability to find molecules with joint activity against on-targets and selectivity versus antitargets, the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors were targeted, seeking selectivity against the histamine H1 receptor. In a second campaign, κ-opioid receptor ligands were sought with selectivity versus the μ-opioid receptor. While hit rates ranged from 40% to 63% against the on-targets, they were just as good against the antitargets, even though the molecules were selected for their putative lack of binding to the off-targets. Affinities, too, were often as good or better for the off-targets. Even though it was occasionally possible to find selective molecules, such as a mid-nanomolar D2/5-HT2A ligand with 21-fold selectivity versus the H1 receptor, this was the exception. Whereas false-negatives are tolerable in docking screens against on-targets, they are intolerable against antitargets; addressing this problem may demand new strategies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahlia
R. Weiss
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158-2550, United States
| | - Joel Karpiak
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158-2550, United States
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department
of Pharmacology and National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive
Drug Screening Program, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Maria F. Sassano
- Department
of Pharmacology and National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive
Drug Screening Program, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jiankun Lyu
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158-2550, United States
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department
of Pharmacology and National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive
Drug Screening Program, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Brian K. Shoichet
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158-2550, United States
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Erli F, Guerrieri E, Ben Haddou T, Lantero A, Mairegger M, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Highly Potent and Selective New Diphenethylamines Interacting with the κ-Opioid Receptor: Synthesis, Pharmacology, and Structure-Activity Relationships. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7579-7590. [PMID: 28825813 PMCID: PMC5601360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported on a series of small molecules targeting the κ-opioid (KOP) receptor featuring a diphenethylamine scaffold and showed the promise of these ligands as effective analgesics with reduced liability for adverse effects. This study expands the structure-activity relationships on our original series by presenting several modifications in the lead compounds 1 (HS665) and 2 (HS666). A library of new diphenethylamines was designed, synthesized, and pharmacologically evaluated. In comparison with 1 and 2, the KOP receptor affinity, selectivity, and agonist activity were modulated by introducing bulkier N-substituents, a 2-fluoro substitution, and additional hydroxyl groups at positions 3' and 4'. Several analogues showed subnanomolar affinity and excellent KOP receptor selectivity acting as full or partial agonists, and one as an antagonist. The new diphenethylamines displayed antinociceptive efficacies with increased potencies than U50,488, 1 and 2 in the writhing assay and without inducing motor dysfunction after sc administration in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Erli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elena Guerrieri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tanila Ben Haddou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Aquilino Lantero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Mairegger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Spetea M, Eans SO, Ganno ML, Lantero A, Mairegger M, Toll L, Schmidhammer H, McLaughlin JP. Selective κ receptor partial agonist HS666 produces potent antinociception without inducing aversion after i.c.v. administration in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2444-2456. [PMID: 28494108 PMCID: PMC5513865 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The κ receptor has a central role in modulating neurotransmission in central and peripheral neuronal circuits that subserve pain and other behavioural responses. Although κ receptor agonists do not produce euphoria or lead to respiratory suppression, they induce dysphoria and sedation. We hypothesized that brain-penetrant κ receptor ligands possessing biased agonism towards G protein signalling over β-arrestin2 recruitment would produce robust antinociception with fewer associated liabilities. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two new diphenethylamines with high κ receptor selectivity, HS665 and HS666, were assessed following i.c.v. administration in mouse assays of antinociception with the 55°C warm-water tail withdrawal test, locomotor activity in the rotorod and conditioned place preference. The [35 S]-GTPγS binding and β-arrestin2 recruitment in vitro assays were used to characterize biased agonism. KEY RESULTS HS665 (κ receptor agonist) and HS666 (κ receptor partial agonist) demonstrated dose-dependent antinociception after i.c.v. administration mediated by the κ receptor. These highly selective κ receptor ligands displayed varying biased signalling towards G protein coupling in vitro, consistent with a reduced liability profile, reflected by reduced sedation and absence of conditioned place aversion for HS666. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS HS665 and HS666 activate central κ receptors to produce potent antinociception, with HS666 displaying pharmacological characteristics of a κ receptor analgesic with reduced liability for aversive effects correlating with its low efficacy in the β-arrestin2 signalling pathway. Our data provide further understanding of the contribution of central κ receptors in pain suppression, and the prospect of dissociating the antinociceptive effects of HS665 and HS666 from κ receptor-mediated adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular StudiesPort St. LucieFLUSA
| | - Shainnel O Eans
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular StudiesPort St. LucieFLUSA
- Department of PharmacodynamicsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | | | - Aquilino Lantero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Michael Mairegger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular StudiesPort St. LucieFLUSA
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Jay P McLaughlin
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular StudiesPort St. LucieFLUSA
- Department of PharmacodynamicsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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Ramos-Colon CN, Lee YS, Remesic M, Hall SM, LaVigne J, Davis P, Sandweiss AJ, McIntosh MI, Hanson J, Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW, Streicher J, Porreca F, Hruby VJ. Structure-Activity Relationships of [des-Arg 7]Dynorphin A Analogues at the κ Opioid Receptor. J Med Chem 2016; 59:10291-10298. [PMID: 27797517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Dynorphin A (Dyn A) is an endogenous ligand for the opioid receptors with preference for the κ opioid receptor (KOR), and its structure-activity relationship (SAR) has been extensively studied at the KOR to develop selective potent agonists and antagonists. Numerous SAR studies have revealed that the Arg7 residue is essential for KOR activity. In contrast, our systematic SAR studies on [des-Arg7]Dyn A analogues found that Arg7 is not a key residue and even deletion of the residue does not affect biological activities at the KOR. In addition, it was also found that [des-Arg7]Dyn A(1-9)-NH2 is a minimum pharmacophore and its modification at the N-terminus leads to selective KOR antagonists. A lead ligand, 14, with high affinity and antagonist activity showed improved metabolic stability and could block antinociceptive effects of a KOR selective agonist, FE200665, in vivo, indicating high potential to treat KOR mediated disorders such as stress-induced relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyf N Ramos-Colon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Michael Remesic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Sara M Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Justin LaVigne
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Peg Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Alexander J Sandweiss
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Mary I McIntosh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jessica Hanson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Tally M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - John Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and §Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Guerrieri E, Bermudez M, Wolber G, Berzetei-Gurske IP, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Structural determinants of diphenethylamines for interaction with the κ opioid receptor: Synthesis, pharmacology and molecular modeling studies. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:4769-4774. [PMID: 27567368 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The κ opioid (KOP) receptor crystal structure in an inactive state offers nowadays a valuable platform for inquiry into receptor function. We describe the synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and docking calculations of KOP receptor ligands from the class of diphenethylamines using an active-like structure of the KOP receptor attained by molecular dynamics simulations. The structure-activity relationships derived from computational studies was in accordance with pharmacological activities of targeted diphenethylamines at the KOP receptor established by competition binding and G protein activation in vitro assays. Our analysis identified that agonist binding results in breaking of the Arg156-Thr273 hydrogen bond, which stabilizes the inactive receptor conformation, and a crucial hydrogen bond with His291 is formed. Compounds with a phenolic 4-hydroxy group do not form the hydrogen bond with His291, an important residue for KOP affinity and agonist activity. The size of the N-substituent hosted by the hydrophobic pocket formed by Val108, Ile316 and Tyr320 considerably influences binding and selectivity, with the n-alkyl size limit being five carbon atoms, while bulky substituents turn KOP agonists in antagonists. Thus, combination of experimental and molecular modeling strategies provides an initial framework for understanding the structural features of diphenethylamines that are essential to promote binding affinity and selectivity for the KOP receptor, and may be involved in transduction of the ligand binding event into molecular changes, ultimately leading to receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Guerrieri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilona P Berzetei-Gurske
- Biosciences Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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10
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Structure versus function—The impact of computational methods on the discovery of specific GPCR–ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:3907-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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11
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Guerrieri E, Mallareddy JR, Tóth G, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of [(3)H]HS665, a novel, highly selective radioligand for the kappa opioid receptor. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:456-63. [PMID: 25496417 DOI: 10.1021/cn5002792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we report the radiolabeling and pharmacological investigation of a novel radioligand, the N-cyclobutylmethyl substituted diphenethylamine [(3)H]HS665, designed to bind selectively to the kappa opioid peptide (KOP) receptor, a target of therapeutic interest for the treatment of a variety of human disorders (i.e., pain, affective disorders, drug addiction, and psychotic disorders). HS665 was prepared in tritium-labeled form by a dehalotritiated method resulting in a specific activity of 30.65 Ci/mmol. Radioligand binding studies were performed to establish binding properties of [(3)H]HS665 to the recombinant human KOP receptor in membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human KOP receptors (CHOhKOP) and to the native neuronal KOP receptor in guinea pig brain membranes. Binding of [(3)H]HS665 was specific and saturable in both tissue preparations. A single population of high affinity binding sites was labeled by [(3)H]HS665 in membranes from CHOhKOP cells and guinea pig brain with similar equilibrium dissociation constants, Kd, 0.45 and 0.64 nM, respectively. Average receptor density of [(3)H]HS665 recognition sites were 5564 and 154 fmol/mg protein in CHOhKOP cells and guinea pig brain, respectively. This study shows that the new radioligand distinguishes and labels KOP receptors specifically in neuronal and cellular systems expressing KOP receptors, making this molecule a valuable tool in probing structural and functional mechanisms governing ligand-KOP receptor interactions in both a recombinant and native in vitro setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Guerrieri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jayapal Reddy Mallareddy
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari krt 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Géza Tóth
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvari krt 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Lalanne L, Ayranci G, Kieffer BL, Lutz PE. The kappa opioid receptor: from addiction to depression, and back. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:170. [PMID: 25538632 PMCID: PMC4258993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity is a major issue in psychiatry that notably associates with more severe symptoms, longer illness duration, and higher service utilization. Therefore, identifying key clusters of comorbidity and exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms represent important steps toward improving mental health care. In the present review, we focus on the frequent association between addiction and depression. In particular, we summarize the large body of evidence from preclinical models indicating that the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), a member of the opioid neuromodulatory system, represents a central player in the regulation of both reward and mood processes. Current data suggest that the KOR modulates overlapping neuronal networks linking brainstem monoaminergic nuclei with forebrain limbic structures. Rewarding properties of both drugs of abuse and natural stimuli, as well as the neurobiological effects of stressful experiences, strongly interact at the level of KOR signaling. In addiction models, activity of the KOR is potentiated by stressors and critically controls drug-seeking and relapse. In depression paradigms, KOR signaling is responsive to a variety of stressors, and mediates despair-like responses. Altogether, the KOR represents a prototypical substrate of comorbidity, whereby life experiences converge upon common brain mechanisms to trigger behavioral dysregulation and increased risk for distinct but interacting psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lalanne
- CNRS UMR-7104, Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, Université de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Strasbourg and Medical School of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Gulebru Ayranci
- CNRS UMR-7104, Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, Université de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France ; Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University , Montréal, QC , Canada
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University , Montréal, QC , Canada
| | - Pierre-Eric Lutz
- Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University , Montréal, QC , Canada
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Schmid CL, Streicher JM, Groer CE, Munro TA, Zhou L, Bohn LM. Functional selectivity of 6'-guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI) at κ-opioid receptors in striatal neurons. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:22387-98. [PMID: 23775075 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.476234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
There is considerable evidence to suggest that drug actions at the κ-opioid receptor (KOR) may represent a means to control pain perception and modulate reward thresholds. As a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the activation of KOR promotes Gαi/o protein coupling and the recruitment of β-arrestins. It has become increasingly evident that GPCRs can transduce signals that originate independently via G protein pathways and β-arrestin pathways; the ligand-dependent bifurcation of such signaling is referred to as "functional selectivity" or "signaling bias." Recently, a KOR agonist, 6'-guanidinonaltrindole (6'-GNTI), was shown to display bias toward the activation of G protein-mediated signaling over β-arrestin2 recruitment. Therefore, we investigated whether such ligand bias was preserved in striatal neurons. Although the reference KOR agonist U69,593 induces the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt, 6'-GNTI only activates the Akt pathway in striatal neurons. Using pharmacological tools and β-arrestin2 knock-out mice, we show that KOR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in striatal neurons requires β-arrestin2, whereas Akt activation depends upon G protein signaling. These findings reveal a point of KOR signal bifurcation that can be observed in an endogenous neuronal setting and may prove to be an important indicator when developing biased agonists at the KOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cullen L Schmid
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
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