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Isu UH, Polasa A, Moradi M. Differential Behavior of Conformational Dynamics in Active and Inactive States of Cannabinoid Receptor 1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.17.589939. [PMID: 38659869 PMCID: PMC11042334 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.589939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor CB1 is a G protein-coupled receptor that regulates critical physiological processes including pain, appetite, and cognition. Understanding the conformational dynamics of CB1 associated with transitions between inactive and active signaling states is imperative for developing targeted modulators. Using microsecond-level all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we identified marked differences in the conformational ensembles of inactive and active CB1 states in apo conditions. The inactive state exhibited substantially increased structural heterogeneity and plasticity compared to the more rigidified active state in the absence of stabilizing ligands. Transmembrane helices TM3 and TM7 were identified as distinguishing factors modulating the state-dependent dynamics. TM7 displayed amplified fluctuations selectively in the inactive state simulations attributed to disruption of conserved electrostatic contacts anchoring it to surrounding helices in the active state. Additionally, we identified significant reorganization of key salt bridge and hydrogen bond networks known to control CB1 activation between states. For instance, a conserved D213-Y224 hydrogen bond and D184-K192 salt bridge interactions showed marked rearrangements between the states. Collectively, these findings reveal the specialized role of TM7 in directing state-dependent CB1 dynamics through electrostatic switch mechanisms. By elucidating the intrinsic enhanced flexibility of inactive CB1, this study provides valuable insights into the conformational landscape enabling functional transitions. Our perspective advances understanding of CB1 activation mechanisms and offers opportunities for structure-based drug discovery targeting the state-specific conformational dynamics of this receptor.
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Wallach J, Cao AB, Calkins MM, Heim AJ, Lanham JK, Bonniwell EM, Hennessey JJ, Bock HA, Anderson EI, Sherwood AM, Morris H, de Klein R, Klein AK, Cuccurazzu B, Gamrat J, Fannana T, Zauhar R, Halberstadt AL, McCorvy JD. Identification of 5-HT 2A receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8221. [PMID: 38102107 PMCID: PMC10724237 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics possess considerable therapeutic potential. Although 5-HT2A receptor activation mediates psychedelic effects, prototypical psychedelics activate both 5-HT2A-Gq/11 and β-arrestin2 transducers, making their respective roles unclear. To elucidate this, we develop a series of 5-HT2A-selective ligands with varying Gq efficacies, including β-arrestin-biased ligands. We show that 5-HT2A-Gq but not 5-HT2A-β-arrestin2 recruitment efficacy predicts psychedelic potential, assessed using head-twitch response (HTR) magnitude in male mice. We further show that disrupting Gq-PLC signaling attenuates the HTR and a threshold level of Gq activation is required to induce psychedelic-like effects, consistent with the fact that certain 5-HT2A partial agonists (e.g., lisuride) are non-psychedelic. Understanding the role of 5-HT2A Gq-efficacy in psychedelic-like psychopharmacology permits rational development of non-psychedelic 5-HT2A agonists. We also demonstrate that β-arrestin-biased 5-HT2A receptor agonists block psychedelic effects and induce receptor downregulation and tachyphylaxis. Overall, 5-HT2A receptor Gq-signaling can be fine-tuned to generate ligands distinct from classical psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Andrew B Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Maggie M Calkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Andrew J Heim
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Chemical Computing Group ULC, 910-1010 Sherbrooke W, Montréal, QC, H3A 2R7, Canada
| | - Janelle K Lanham
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emma M Bonniwell
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Joseph J Hennessey
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Hailey A Bock
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emilie I Anderson
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | | | - Hamilton Morris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robbin de Klein
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Adam K Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Bruna Cuccurazzu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - James Gamrat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tilka Fannana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Randy Zauhar
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Artemis Discovery, LLC, Suite 300, 709 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123, USA
| | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Center for Psychedelic Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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3
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Wallach J, Cao AB, Calkins MM, Heim AJ, Lanham JK, Bonniwell EM, Hennessey JJ, Bock HA, Anderson EI, Sherwood AM, Morris H, de Klein R, Klein AK, Cuccurazzu B, Gamrat J, Fannana T, Zauhar R, Halberstadt AL, McCorvy JD. Identification of 5-HT 2A Receptor Signaling Pathways Responsible for Psychedelic Potential. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.29.551106. [PMID: 37577474 PMCID: PMC10418054 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.29.551106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics possess considerable therapeutic potential. Although 5-HT2A receptor activation mediates psychedelic effects, prototypical psychedelics activate both 5-HT2A-Gq/11 and β-arrestin2 signaling, making their respective roles unclear. To elucidate this, we developed a series of 5-HT2A-selective ligands with varying Gq efficacies, including β-arrestin-biased ligands. We show that 5-HT2A-Gq but not 5-HT2A-β-arrestin2 efficacy predicts psychedelic potential, assessed using head-twitch response (HTR) magnitude in male mice. We further show that disrupting Gq-PLC signaling attenuates the HTR and a threshold level of Gq activation is required to induce psychedelic-like effects, consistent with the fact that certain 5-HT2A partial agonists (e.g., lisuride) are non-psychedelic. Understanding the role of 5-HT2A-Gq efficacy in psychedelic-like psychopharmacology permits rational development of non-psychedelic 5-HT2A agonists. We also demonstrate that β-arrestin-biased 5-HT2A receptor agonists induce receptor downregulation and tachyphylaxis, and have an anti-psychotic-like behavioral profile. Overall, 5-HT2A receptor signaling can be fine-tuned to generate ligands with properties distinct from classical psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wallach
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Andrew B. Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Maggie M. Calkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Andrew J. Heim
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Janelle K. Lanham
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Emma M. Bonniwell
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Joseph J. Hennessey
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Hailey A. Bock
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Emilie I. Anderson
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | | | - Hamilton Morris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Robbin de Klein
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California 92161, United States
| | - Adam K. Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Bruna Cuccurazzu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - James Gamrat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Tilka Fannana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Randy Zauhar
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Adam L. Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California 92161, United States
| | - John D. McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
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Santino F, Gentilucci L. Design of κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Development of Potential Treatments of Pain with Reduced Side Effects. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28010346. [PMID: 36615540 PMCID: PMC9822356 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has recently emerged as an alternative therapeutic target for the development of pain medications, without deleterious side effects associated with the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, modulation of KOR is currently under investigation for the treatment of depression, mood disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, and specific drug addictions. However, KOR agonists also trigger adverse effects including sedation, dysphoria, and hallucinations. In this respect, there is currently much debate on alternative paradigms. Recent effort has been devoted in search of biased ligands capable of selectively activating favorable signaling over signaling associated with unwanted side effects. On the other hand, the use of partial agonists is expected to allow the analgesia to be produced at dosages lower than those required to produce the adverse effects. More empirically, the unwanted central effects can be also avoided by using peripherally restricted agonists. In this review, we discuss the more recent trends in the design of KOR-selective, biased or partial, and finally, peripherally acting agonists. Special emphasis is given on the discussion of the most recent approaches for controlling functional selectivity of KOR-specific ligands.
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5
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Zhao J, Carbone J, Farruggia G, Janecka A, Gentilucci L, Calonghi N. Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity against Cancer Cells of Indole-Aryl-Amide Derivatives. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010265. [PMID: 36615458 PMCID: PMC9822155 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Indoles constitute a large family of heterocyclic compounds widely occurring in nature which are present in a number of bioactive natural and synthetic compounds, including anticancer agents or atypical opioid agonists. As a result, exponential increases in the development of novel methods for the synthesis of indole-containing compounds have been reported in the literature. A series of indole-aryl amide derivatives 1-7 containing tryptamine or an indolylacetic acid nucleus were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as opioid ligands. These new indole derivatives showed negligible to very low affinity for μ- and δ-opioid receptor (OR). On the other hand, compounds 2, 5 and 7 showed Ki values in the low μM range for κ-OR. Since indoles are well known for their anticancer potential, their effect against a panel of tumor cell lines was tested. The target compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity in HT29, HeLa, IGROV-1, MCF7, PC-3, and Jurkat J6 cells. Some of the synthesized compounds showed good activity against the selected tumor cell lines, with the exception of IGROV1. In particular, compound 5 showed a noteworthy selectivity towards HT29 cells, a malignant colonic cell line, without affecting healthy human intestinal cells. Further studies revealed that 5 caused the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and promoted apoptosis in HT29 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Carbone
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (N.C.); Tel.: +39-05-1209-9570 (L.G.); +39-05-1209-1231 (N.C.)
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (N.C.); Tel.: +39-05-1209-9570 (L.G.); +39-05-1209-1231 (N.C.)
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6
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Akhilesh, Baidya ATK, Uniyal A, Das B, Kumar R, Tiwari V. Structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation for the identification of sphingosine kinase-2 inhibitors as potential analgesics. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:12472-12490. [PMID: 34519252 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1971559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is due to an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, which accounts for a significant economical and health burden to society. Due to poor understanding of their underlying mechanisms, the available treatments merely provide symptomatic relief and precipitates a variety of adverse effects. This suggests that there is an unmet medical need that must be addressed with effective strategies for the development of novel therapeutics. Sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) is an oncogenic lipid kinase that has emerged as a promising target for chronic pain and other diseases. In the present study, we have explored the structure-based virtual high-throughput screening of the Nuclei of Bioassays, Ecophysiology, and Biosynthesis of Natural Products Database (NuBBE) to identify potent natural products as inhibitors of SphK2. A molecular docking study was performed to calculate binding affinities and specificity to identify potential leads against SphK2. Initially, hits were selected by the implementation of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties, Lipinski rule, and PAINS filters. The top-scoring hits also exhibiting an optimal ADMET profile were subjected to MM/GBSA free binding free energy calculation and molecular dynamics simulation. The results from molecular dynamics simulation revealed a stable ligand -SphK2 complex with protein and ligand RMSD within reasonable limits. Overall, we identified compounds, NuBBE_972 and NuBBE_1107 as potential inhibitors of SphK2 with optimal pharmacokinetic properties which have the potential to be developed as novel therapeutics for the management of chronic pain.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anurag T K Baidya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ankit Uniyal
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bhanuranjan Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Department of Neuroscience Care and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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7
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Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Docking of Chimeric Peptides Targeting Opioid and NOP Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012700. [PMID: 36293553 PMCID: PMC9604311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, mixed opioid/NOP agonists came to the spotlight for their favorable functional profiles and promising outcomes in clinical trials as novel analgesics. This study reports on two novel chimeric peptides incorporating the fragment Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe]Asp-NH2 (RP-170), a cyclic peptide with high affinity for µ and κ opioid receptors (or MOP and KOP, respectively), conjugated with the peptide Ac-RYYRIK-NH2, a known ligand of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP), yielding RP-170-RYYRIK-NH2 (KW-495) and RP-170-Gly3-RYYRIK-NH2 (KW-496). In vitro, the chimeric KW-496 gained affinity for KOP, hence becoming a dual KOP/MOP agonist, while KW-495 behaved as a mixed MOP/NOP agonist with low nM affinity. Hence, KW-495 was selected for further in vivo experiments. Intrathecal administration of this peptide in mice elicited antinociceptive effects in the hot-plate test; this action was sensitive to both the universal opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and the selective NOP antagonist SB-612111. The rotarod test revealed that KW-495 administration did not alter the mice motor coordination performance. Computational studies have been conducted on the two chimeras to investigate the structural determinants at the basis of the experimental activities, including any role of the Gly3 spacer.
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8
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Azzam AAH, Lambert DG. Preclinical Discovery and Development of oliceridine (Olinvyk®) for the Treatment of Post-Operative Pain. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:215-223. [PMID: 34817313 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2008903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioids acting at the MOP(mu:µ) receptor produce analgesia but also side-effects. There is debate suggesting opioid receptors produce analgesia via G-protein and side-effects via β-arrestin-2 pathways. Opioids targeting G-proteins over the arrestins (bias) offer potential therapeutic advantages. Oliceridine is a putative MOP, G-protein biased agonist. AREAS COVERED Oliceridine is selective for MOP receptors with greater activity at G-proteins over arrestins. A substantial body of evidence now points to a simpler pharmacological descriptor of partial agonist. Pre-clinical in vivo data indicates a robust antinociceptive response of shorter duration than morphine. Apollo trials (Phase-III RCT-bunionectomy/abdominoplasty) describe good analgesic efficacy that was non-inferior to morphine with good tolerability and side-effect profile. There is evidence for improved respiratory safety profile. Oliceridine is approved by the FDA. EXPERT OPINION Oliceridine will be an important addition to the clinical armamentarium for use for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an intravenous opioid analgesic and for whom alternative treatments are inadequate. Respiratory advantage and the possibility of reduced abuse potential are possible advantages over the use of traditional opioids. Based on a number of excellent, highly detailed studies, oliceridine should be described as a partial agonist; this 'label' does not matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar A H Azzam
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hodgkin Building, Leicester, LE1 9HN. UK
| | - David G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hodgkin Building, Leicester, LE1 9HN. UK
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9
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Sharma KK, Cassell RJ, Meqbil YJ, Su H, Blaine AT, Cummins BR, Mores KL, Johnson DK, van Rijn RM, Altman RA. Modulating β-arrestin 2 recruitment at the δ- and μ-opioid receptors using peptidomimetic ligands. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1958-1967. [PMID: 34825191 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00025j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
μ-Opioid receptor agonists provide potent and effective acute analgesia; however, their therapeutic window narrows considerably upon repeated administration, such as required for treating chronic pain. In contrast, bifunctional μ/δ opioid agonists, such as the endogenous enkephalins, have potential for treating both acute and chronic pain. However, enkephalins recruit β-arrestins, which correlate with certain adverse effects at μ- and δ-opioid receptors. Herein, we identify the C-terminus of Tyr-ψ[(Z)CF[double bond, length as m-dash]CH]-Gly-Leu-enkephalin, a stable enkephalin derivative, as a key site to regulate bias of both δ- and μ-opioid receptors. Using in vitro assays, substitution of the Leu5 carboxylate with amides (NHEt, NMe2, NCyPr) reduced β-arrestin recruitment efficacy through both the δ-opioid and μ-opioid, while retaining affinity and cAMP potency. For this series, computational studies suggest key ligand-receptor interactions that might influence bias. These findings should enable the discovery of a range of tool compounds with previously unexplored biased μ/δ opioid agonist pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna K Sharma
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University USA
| | - Robert J Cassell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA
| | - Yazan J Meqbil
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA .,Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (CIGP), Purdue University USA
| | - Hongyu Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA
| | - Arryn T Blaine
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA .,Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Science Graduate Program, Purdue University USA
| | | | - Kendall L Mores
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA
| | - David K Johnson
- Computational Chemical Biology Core and Molecular Graphics and Modeling Laboratory, The University of Kansas USA
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA .,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University USA
| | - Ryan A Altman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University USA .,Department of Chemistry, Purdue University USA
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10
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Wanka L, Behr V, Beck-Sickinger AG. Arrestin-dependent internalization of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors. Biol Chem 2021; 403:133-149. [PMID: 34036761 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is an important mechanism regulating the signal strength and limiting the opportunity of receptor activation. Based on the importance of GPCRs, the detailed knowledge about the regulation of signal transduction is crucial. Here, current knowledge about the agonist-induced, arrestin-dependent internalization process of rhodopsin-like GPCRs is reviewed. Arrestins are conserved molecules that act as key players within the internalization process of many GPCRs. Based on highly conserved structural characteristics within the rhodopsin-like GPCRs, the identification of arrestin interaction sites in model systems can be compared and used for the investigation of internalization processes of other receptors. The increasing understanding of this essential regulation mechanism of receptors can be used for drug development targeting rhodopsin-like GPCRs. Here, we focus on the neuropeptide Y receptor family, as these receptors transmit various physiological processes such as food intake, energy homeostasis, and regulation of emotional behavior, and are further involved in pathophysiological processes like cancer, obesity and mood disorders. Hence, this receptor family represents an interesting target for the development of novel therapeutics requiring the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms influencing receptor mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizzy Wanka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Victoria Behr
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette G Beck-Sickinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103Leipzig, Germany
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