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Mancini M, Calculli A, Di Martino D, Pisani A. Interplay between endocannabinoids and dopamine in the basal ganglia: implications for pain in Parkinson's disease. J Anesth Analg Crit Care 2024; 4:33. [PMID: 38745258 PMCID: PMC11094869 DOI: 10.1186/s44158-024-00169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a complex phenomenon, and basal ganglia circuitry integrates many aspects of pain including motor, emotional, autonomic, and cognitive responses. Perturbations in dopamine (DA) signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain due to its involvement in both pain perception and relief. Several lines of evidence support the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the regulation of many electrical and chemical aspects of DAergic neuron function including excitability, synaptic transmission, integration, and plasticity. However, eCBs play an even more intricate and intimate relationship with DA, as indicated by the adaptive changes in the eCB system following DA depletion. Although the precise mechanisms underlying DA control on pain are not fully understood, given the high correlation of eCB and DAergic system, it is conceivable that eCBs may be part of these mechanisms.In this brief survey, we describe the reciprocal regulation of eCB-DA neurotransmission with a particular emphasis on the actions of eCBs on ionic and synaptic signaling in DAergic neurons mediated by CB receptors or independent on them. Furthermore, we analyze the eCB-DA imbalance which characterizes pain condition and report the implications of reduced DA levels for pain in Parkinson's disease. Lastly, we discuss the potential of the eCB-DA system in the development of future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Mancini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Calculli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Deborah Di Martino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, c/o Mondino Foundation Via Mondino, 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
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Belov V, Guehl NJ, Duvvuri S, Iredale P, Moon SH, Dhaynaut M, Chakilam S, MacDonagh AC, Rice PA, Yokell DL, Renger JJ, El Fakhri G, Normandin MD. PET imaging of M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in rhesus macaques using [ 11C]MK-6884: Quantification with kinetic modeling and receptor occupancy by CVL-231 (emraclidine), a novel positive allosteric modulator. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024:271678X241238820. [PMID: 38477292 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241238820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Stimulation of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor reduces striatal hyperdopaminergia, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for schizophrenia. Emraclidine (CVL-231) is a novel, highly selective, positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors i.e. acts as a modulator that increases the response of these receptors. First, we aimed to further characterize the positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and quantification performance of a recently developed M4 PAM radiotracer, [11C]MK-6884, in non-human primates (NHPs). Second, we applied these results to determine the receptor occupancy of CVL-231 as a function of dose. Using paired baseline-blocking PET scans, we quantified total volume of distribution, binding potential, and receptor occupancy. Both blood-based and reference region-based methods quantified M4 receptor levels across brain regions. The 2-tissue 4-parameter kinetic model best fitted regional [11C]MK-6884-time activity curves. Only the caudate nucleus and putamen displayed statistically significant [11C]MK-6884 uptake and dose-dependent blocking by CVL-231. For binding potential and receptor occupancy quantification, the simplified reference tissue model using the grey cerebellum as a reference region was employed. CVL-231 demonstrated dose-dependent M4 receptor occupancy in the striatum of the NHP brain and shows promise for further development in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily Belov
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas J Guehl
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sung-Hyun Moon
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maeva Dhaynaut
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Alexander C MacDonagh
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter A Rice
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel L Yokell
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Georges El Fakhri
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc D Normandin
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Weinstein JJ, Moeller SJ, Perlman G, Gil R, Van Snellenberg JX, Wengler K, Meng J, Slifstein M, Abi-Dargham A. Imaging the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter in Schizophrenia: A Positron Emission Tomography Study Using [ 18F]-VAT. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)00062-3. [PMID: 38309322 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite longstanding interest in the central cholinergic system in schizophrenia (SCZ), cholinergic imaging studies with patients have been limited to receptors. Here, we conducted a proof-of-concept positron emission tomography study using [18F]-VAT, a new radiotracer that targets the vesicular acetylcholine transporter as a proxy measure of acetylcholine transmission capacity, in patients with SCZ and explored relationships of vesicular acetylcholine transporter with clinical symptoms and cognition. METHODS A total of 18 adult patients with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (the SCZ group) and 14 healthy control participants underwent a positron emission tomography scan with [18F]-VAT. Distribution volume (VT) for [18F]-VAT was derived for each region of interest, and group differences in VT were assessed with 2-sample t tests. Functional significance was explored through correlations between VT and scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and a computerized neurocognitive battery (PennCNB). RESULTS No group differences in [18F]-VAT VT were observed. However, within the SCZ group, psychosis symptom severity was positively associated with VT in multiple regions of interest, with the strongest effects in the hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain, cerebellum, and cortex. In addition, in the SCZ group, working memory performance was negatively associated with VT in the substantia innominata and several cortical regions of interest including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS In this initial study, the severity of 2 important features of SCZ-psychosis and working memory deficit-was strongly associated with [18F]-VAT VT in several cortical and subcortical regions. These correlations provide preliminary evidence of cholinergic activity involvement in SCZ and, if replicated in larger samples, could lead to a more complete mechanistic understanding of psychosis and cognitive deficits in SCZ and the development of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi J Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Greg Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Roberto Gil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jared X Van Snellenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kenneth Wengler
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York; Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jiayan Meng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Mark Slifstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Anissa Abi-Dargham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
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Nunes EJ, Addy NA, Conn PJ, Foster DJ. Targeting the Actions of Muscarinic Receptors on Dopamine Systems: New Strategies for Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 64:277-289. [PMID: 37552895 PMCID: PMC10841102 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051921-023858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic regulation of dopamine (DA) signaling has significant implications for numerous disorders, including schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and mood-related disorders. The activity of midbrain DA neurons and DA release patterns in terminal regions are tightly regulated by cholinergic neurons found in both the striatum and the hindbrain. These cholinergic neurons can modulate DA circuitry by activating numerous receptors, including muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtypes. This review specifically focuses on the complex role of M2, M4, and M5 mAChR subtypes in regulating DA neuron activity and DA release and the potential clinical implications of targeting these mAChR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nii A Addy
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, and Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel J Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA;
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Yu X, Jia Y, Dong Y. Research progress on the cannabinoid type-2 receptor and Parkinson's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 15:1298166. [PMID: 38264546 PMCID: PMC10804458 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1298166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is featured by movement impairments, including tremors, bradykinesia, muscle stiffness, and imbalance. PD is also associated with many non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive impairments, dementia, and mental disorders. Previous studies identify the associations between PD progression and factors such as α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and cell death. The cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2 receptor) is a transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor and has been extensively studied as part of the endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptor is recently emerged as a promising target for anti-inflammatory treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. It is reported to modulate mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, iron transport, and neuroinflammation that contribute to neuronal cell death. Additionally, CB2 receptor possesses the potential to provide feedback on electrophysiological processes, offering new possibilities for PD treatment. This review summarized the mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis. We also discussed the potential regulatory role played by CB2 receptor in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Yu
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi Jia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Neuropsychiatry Research Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Qi A, Kling HE, Billard N, Rodriguez AL, Peng L, Dickerson JW, Engers JL, Bender AM, Moehle MS, Lindsley CW, Rook JM, Niswender CM. Development of a Selective and High Affinity Radioligand, [ 3H]VU6013720, for the M 4 Muscarinic Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 104:195-202. [PMID: 37595966 PMCID: PMC10586508 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
M4 muscarinic receptors are highly expressed in the striatum and cortex, brain regions that are involved in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and dystonia. Despite potential therapeutic advantages of specifically targeting the M4 receptor, it has been historically challenging to develop highly selective ligands, resulting in undesired off-target activity at other members of the muscarinic receptor family. Recently, we have reported first-in-class, potent, and selective M4 receptor antagonists. As an extension of that work, we now report the development and characterization of a radiolabeled M4 receptor antagonist, [3H]VU6013720, with high affinity (pKd of 9.5 ± 0.2 at rat M4, 9.7 at mouse M4, and 10 ± 0.1 at human M4 with atropine to define nonspecific binding) and no significant binding at the other muscarinic subtypes. Binding assays using this radioligand in rodent brain tissues demonstrate loss of specific binding in Chrm4 knockout animals. Dissociation kinetics experiments with various muscarinic ligands show differential effects on the dissociation of [3H]VU6013720 from M4 receptors, suggesting a binding site that is overlapping but may be distinct from the orthosteric site. Overall, these results demonstrate that [3H]VU6013720 is the first highly selective antagonist radioligand for the M4 receptor, representing a useful tool for studying the basic biology of M4 as well for the support of M4 receptor-based drug discovery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This manuscript describes the development and characterization of a novel muscarinic (M) acetylcholine subtype 4 receptor antagonist radioligand, [3H]VU6013720. This ligand binds to or overlaps with the acetylcholine binding site, providing a highly selective radioligand for the M4 receptor that can be used to quantify M4 protein expression in vivo and probe the selective interactions of acetylcholine with M4 versus the other members of the muscarinic receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidong Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Haley E Kling
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Natasha Billard
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Alice L Rodriguez
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jonathan W Dickerson
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Julie L Engers
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Aaron M Bender
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mark S Moehle
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jerri M Rook
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (A.Q., H.E.K., N.B., A.L.R., L.P., J.W.D., J.L.E., A.M.B., C.W.L., J.M.R., C.M.N.) and Department of Chemistry (C.W.L.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N); Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.) and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (C.W.L., C.M.N.),Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration (M.S.M.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Yun S, Yang B, Anair JD, Martin MM, Fleps SW, Pamukcu A, Yeh NH, Contractor A, Kennedy A, Parker JG. Antipsychotic drug efficacy correlates with the modulation of D1 rather than D2 receptor-expressing striatal projection neurons. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1417-1428. [PMID: 37443282 PMCID: PMC10842629 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Elevated dopamine transmission in psychosis is assumed to unbalance striatal output through D1- and D2-receptor-expressing spiny-projection neurons (SPNs). Antipsychotic drugs are thought to re-balance this output by blocking D2 receptors (D2Rs). In this study, we found that amphetamine-driven dopamine release unbalanced D1-SPN and D2-SPN Ca2+ activity in mice, but that antipsychotic efficacy was associated with the reversal of abnormal D1-SPN, rather than D2-SPN, dynamics, even for drugs that are D2R selective or lacking any dopamine receptor affinity. By contrast, a clinically ineffective drug normalized D2-SPN dynamics but exacerbated D1-SPN dynamics under hyperdopaminergic conditions. Consistent with antipsychotic effect, selective D1-SPN inhibition attenuated amphetamine-driven changes in locomotion, sensorimotor gating and hallucination-like perception. Notably, antipsychotic efficacy correlated with the selective inhibition of D1-SPNs only under hyperdopaminergic conditions-a dopamine-state-dependence exhibited by D1R partial agonism but not non-antipsychotic D1R antagonists. Our findings provide new insights into antipsychotic drug mechanism and reveal an important role for D1-SPN modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongsik Yun
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ben Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin D Anair
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madison M Martin
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stefan W Fleps
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Arin Pamukcu
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nai-Hsing Yeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anis Contractor
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann Kennedy
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jones G Parker
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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8
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Dean B. Muscarinic M1 and M4 receptor agonists for schizophrenia: promising candidates for the therapeutic arsenal. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1113-1121. [PMID: 37994870 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2288074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful phase 3 trials of KarXT in people with schizophrenia herald a new era of treating the disorder with drugs that do not target the dopamine D2 receptor. The active component of KarXT is xanomeline, a muscarinic (CHRM) M1 and M4 agonist, making muscarinic receptors a viable target for treating schizophrenia. AREAS COVERED This review covers the process of taking drugs that activate the muscarinic M1 and M4 receptors from conceptualization to the clinic and details the mechanisms by which activating the CHRM1 and 4 can affect the broad spectrum of symptoms experienced by people with schizophrenia. EXPERT OPINION Schizophrenia is a syndrome which means drugs that activate muscarinic M1 and M4 receptors, as was the case for antipsychotic drugs acting on the dopamine D2 receptor, will not give optimal outcomes in everyone within the syndrome. Thus, it would be ideal to identify people who are responsive to drugs activating the CHRM1 and 4. Given knowledge of the actions of these receptors, it is possible treatment non-response could be restricted to sub-groups within the syndrome who have deficits in cortical CHRM1 or those with one of the cognitive endophenotypes that may be identifiable by changes in the blood transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dean
- The Synaptic Biology and Cognition Laboratory, The Florey, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Littlepage-Saunders M, Hochstein MJ, Chang DS, Johnson KA. G protein-coupled receptor modulation of striatal dopamine transmission: Implications for psychoactive drug effects. Br J Pharmacol 2023:10.1111/bph.16151. [PMID: 37258878 PMCID: PMC10687321 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine transmission in the striatum is a critical mediator of the rewarding and reinforcing effects of commonly misused psychoactive drugs. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that bind a variety of neuromodulators including dopamine, endocannabinoids, acetylcholine and endogenous opioid peptides regulate dopamine release by acting on several components of dopaminergic circuitry. Striatal dopamine release can be driven by both somatic action potential firing and local mechanisms that depend on acetylcholine released from striatal cholinergic interneurons. GPCRs that primarily regulate somatic firing of dopamine neurons via direct effects or modulation of synaptic inputs are likely to affect distinct aspects of behaviour and psychoactive drug actions compared with those GPCRs that primarily regulate local acetylcholine-dependent dopamine release in striatal regions. This review will highlight mechanisms by which GPCRs modulate dopaminergic transmission and the relevance of these findings to psychoactive drug effects on physiology and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mydirah Littlepage-Saunders
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael J Hochstein
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Doris S Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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10
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Vuckovic Z, Wang J, Pham V, Mobbs JI, Belousoff MJ, Bhattarai A, Burger WAC, Thompson G, Yeasmin M, Nawaratne V, Leach K, van der Westhuizen ET, Khajehali E, Liang YL, Glukhova A, Wootten D, Lindsley CW, Tobin A, Sexton P, Danev R, Valant C, Miao Y, Christopoulos A, Thal DM. Pharmacological hallmarks of allostery at the M4 muscarinic receptor elucidated through structure and dynamics. eLife 2023; 12:83477. [PMID: 37248726 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a major paradigm in drug discovery. Despite decades of research, a molecular-level understanding of the general principles that govern the myriad pharmacological effects exerted by GPCR allosteric modulators remains limited. The M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M4 mAChR) is a validated and clinically relevant allosteric drug target for several major psychiatric and cognitive disorders. In this study, we rigorously quantified the affinity, efficacy, and magnitude of modulation of two different positive allosteric modulators, LY2033298 (LY298) and VU0467154 (VU154), combined with the endogenous agonist acetylcholine (ACh) or the high-affinity agonist iperoxo (Ipx), at the human M4 mAChR. By determining the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the M4 mAChR, bound to a cognate Gi1 protein and in complex with ACh, Ipx, LY298-Ipx, and VU154-Ipx, and applying molecular dynamics simulations, we determine key molecular mechanisms underlying allosteric pharmacology. In addition to delineating the contribution of spatially distinct binding sites on observed pharmacology, our findings also revealed a vital role for orthosteric and allosteric ligand-receptor-transducer complex stability, mediated by conformational dynamics between these sites, in the ultimate determination of affinity, efficacy, cooperativity, probe dependence, and species variability. There results provide a holistic framework for further GPCR mechanistic studies and can aid in the discovery and design of future allosteric drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziva Vuckovic
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jinan Wang
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States
| | - Vi Pham
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jesse I Mobbs
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew J Belousoff
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Apurba Bhattarai
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States
| | - Wessel A C Burger
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Geoff Thompson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mahmuda Yeasmin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Vindhya Nawaratne
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Katie Leach
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Emma T van der Westhuizen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Elham Khajehali
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yi-Lynn Liang
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alisa Glukhova
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Denise Wootten
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery and Department of Chemistry, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
| | - Andrew Tobin
- The Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Advanced Research Centre (ARC), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Radostin Danev
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yinglong Miao
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - David M Thal
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
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11
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McCutcheon RA, Keefe RSE, McGuire PK. Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: aetiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1902-1918. [PMID: 36690793 PMCID: PMC10575791 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01949-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia, account for much of the impaired functioning associated with the disorder and are not responsive to existing treatments. In this review, we first describe the clinical presentation and natural history of these deficits. We then consider aetiological factors, highlighting how a range of similar genetic and environmental factors are associated with both cognitive function and schizophrenia. We then review the pathophysiological mechanisms thought to underlie cognitive symptoms, including the role of dopamine, cholinergic signalling and the balance between GABAergic interneurons and glutamatergic pyramidal cells. Finally, we review the clinical management of cognitive impairments and candidate novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A McCutcheon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.
- Oxford health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
| | - Richard S E Keefe
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Philip K McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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12
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Chambers NE, Millett M, Moehle MS. The muscarinic M4 acetylcholine receptor exacerbates symptoms of movement disorders. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:691-702. [PMID: 37013974 PMCID: PMC10212540 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Barbeau's seesaw hypothesis of dopamine-acetylcholine balance has predominated movement disorders literature for years. Both the simplicity of the explanation and the matching efficacy of anticholinergic treatment in movement disorders seem to support this hypothesis. However, evidence from translational and clinical studies in movement disorders indicates that many features of this simple balance are lost, broken, or absent from movement disorders models or in imaging studies of patients with these disorders. This review reappraises the dopamine-acetylcholine balance hypothesis in light of recent evidence and describes how the Gαi/o coupled muscarinic M4 receptor acts in opposition to dopamine signaling in the basal ganglia. We highlight how M4 signaling can ameliorate or exacerbate movement disorders symptoms and physiological correlates of these symptoms in specific disease states. Furthermore, we propose future directions for investigation of this mechanisms to fully understand the potential efficacy of M4 targeting therapeutics in movement disorders. Overall, initial evidence suggest that M4 is a promising pharmaceutical target to ameliorate motor symptoms of hypo- and hyper-dopaminergic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Chambers
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A
| | - Michael Millett
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A
| | - Mark S. Moehle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegeneration, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A
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13
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Tryon SC, Bratsch-Prince JX, Warren JW, Jones GC, McDonald AJ, Mott DD. Differential Regulation of Prelimbic and Thalamic Transmission to the Basolateral Amygdala by Acetylcholine Receptors. J Neurosci 2023; 43:722-35. [PMID: 36535767 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2545-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdalar anterior basolateral nucleus (BLa) plays a vital role in emotional behaviors. This region receives dense cholinergic projections from basal forebrain which are critical in regulating neuronal activity in BLa. Cholinergic signaling in BLa has also been shown to modulate afferent glutamatergic inputs to this region. However, these studies, which have used cholinergic agonists or prolonged optogenetic stimulation of cholinergic fibers, may not reflect the effect of physiological acetylcholine release in the BLa. To better understand these effects of acetylcholine, we have used electrophysiology and optogenetics in male and female mouse brain slices to examine cholinergic regulation of afferent BLa input from cortex and midline thalamic nuclei. Phasic ACh release evoked by single pulse stimulation of cholinergic terminals had a biphasic effect on transmission at cortical input, producing rapid nicotinic receptor-mediated facilitation followed by slower mAChR-mediated depression. In contrast, at this same input, sustained ACh elevation through application of the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine suppressed glutamatergic transmission through mAChRs only. This suppression was not observed at midline thalamic nuclei inputs to BLa. In agreement with this pathway specificity, the mAChR agonist, muscarine more potently suppressed transmission at inputs from prelimbic cortex than thalamus. Muscarinic inhibition at prelimbic cortex input required presynaptic M4 mAChRs, while at thalamic input it depended on M3 mAChR-mediated stimulation of retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Muscarinic inhibition at both pathways was frequency-dependent, allowing only high-frequency activity to pass. These findings demonstrate complex cholinergic regulation of afferent input to BLa that is pathway-specific and frequency-dependent.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cholinergic modulation of the basolateral amygdala regulates formation of emotional memories, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show, using mouse brain slices, that ACh differentially regulates afferent transmission to the BLa from cortex and midline thalamic nuclei. Fast, phasic ACh release from a single optical stimulation biphasically regulates glutamatergic transmission at cortical inputs through nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, suggesting that cholinergic neuromodulation can serve precise, computational roles in the BLa. In contrast, sustained ACh elevation regulates cortical input through muscarinic receptors only. This muscarinic regulation is pathway-specific with cortical input inhibited more strongly than midline thalamic nuclei input. Specific targeting of these cholinergic receptors may thus provide a therapeutic strategy to bias amygdalar processing and regulate emotional memory.
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14
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Cáceres D, Ochoa M, González-Ortiz M, Bravo K, Eugenín J. Effects of Prenatal Cannabinoids Exposure upon Placenta and Development of Respiratory Neural Circuits. Adv Exp Med Biol 2023; 1428:199-232. [PMID: 37466775 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has risen dangerously during pregnancy in the face of incipient therapeutic use and a growing perception of safety. The main psychoactive compound of the Cannabis sativa plant is the phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A-9 THC), and its status as a teratogen is controversial. THC and its endogenous analogues, anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, exert their actions through specific receptors (eCBr) that activate intracellular signaling pathways. CB1r and CB2r, also called classic cannabinoid receptors, together with their endogenous ligands and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them, constitute the endocannabinoid system. This system is distributed ubiquitously in various central and peripheral tissues. Although the endocannabinoid system's most studied role is controlling the release of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, the study of long-term exposure to cannabinoids on fetal development is not well known and is vital for understanding environmental or pathological embryo-fetal or postnatal conditions. Prenatal exposure to cannabinoids in animal models has induced changes in placental and embryo-fetal organs. Particularly, cannabinoids could influence both neural and nonneural tissues and induce embryo-fetal pathological conditions in critical processes such as neural respiratory control. This review aims at the acute and chronic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids on placental function and the embryo-fetal neurodevelopment of the respiratory pattern. The information provided here will serve as a theoretical framework to critically evaluate the teratogen effects of the consumption of cannabis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martín Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Karina Bravo
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Jaime Eugenín
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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15
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Nukitram J, Kumarnsit E, Cheaha D. A 1:1 ratio of cannabidiol: tetrahydrocannabinol attenuates methamphetamine conditioned place preference in mice: A prospective study of antidopaminergic mechanism. Brain Res Bull 2023; 192:47-55. [PMID: 36336144 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A 1:1 ratio of cannabidiol to tetrahydrocannabinol (CT) was suggested to be safer for therapeutic purposes in many illnesses. However, CT effects on methamphetamine (METH) conditioned place preference (CPP) remained largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the effects of CT on METH CPP mice evaluated by animal behaviors accompanied by local field potential (LFP) signals analysis. Male ICR mice were implanted with the LFP electrode in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Animals were next subjected to induce METH CPP by peritoneal injection with 1 mg/kg METH and 0.9 % NaCl on an alternate day for ten sessions and confined to the corresponding compartment for 30 min meanwhile control mice were given normal saline all day for both compartments. On testing day, either 10 mg/kg CT or 20 mg/kg bupropion (BP), a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and VTA GABAergic suppressor were orally administered before CPP testing. The results revealed that CPP scores elevation was observed in the METH+vehicle and METH+BP mice, but this was reversed by CT treatment. Although both METH+vehicle and METH+BP enhanced the VTA delta power, NAc gamma I power, NAc delta-gamma coupling, and VTA-NAc gamma I coherence, changes in opposite trends of all mentioned parameters were seen by CT application. These improvements were postulated to involve the antidopaminergic effects of CT via modulations of neural signaling in the VTA and NAc. Altogether, the evidence-based study may suggest the use of CT as alternative drug for METH-seeking and craving therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakkrit Nukitram
- Physiology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Ekkasit Kumarnsit
- Physiology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
| | - Dania Cheaha
- Biology Program, Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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16
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Szczurowska E, Szánti-Pintér E, Chetverikov N, Randáková A, Kudová E, Jakubík J. Modulation of Muscarinic Signalling in the Central Nervous System by Steroid Hormones and Neurosteroids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010507. [PMID: 36613951 PMCID: PMC9820491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in the central nervous system mediate various functions, including cognition, memory, or reward. Therefore, muscarinic receptors represent potential pharmacological targets for various diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, addiction, epilepsy, or depression. Muscarinic receptors are allosterically modulated by neurosteroids and steroid hormones at physiologically relevant concentrations. In this review, we focus on the modulation of muscarinic receptors by neurosteroids and steroid hormones in the context of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system. Further, we propose the potential use of neuroactive steroids in the development of pharmacotherapeutics for these diseases and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczurowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Szánti-Pintér
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolai Chetverikov
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Randáková
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (J.J.)
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17
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Jones-Tabah J. Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. J Mol Biol 2022;:167927. [PMID: 36563742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized in part by the deterioration of dopaminergic neurons which leads to motor impairment. Although there is no cure for PD, the motor symptoms can be treated using dopamine replacement therapies including the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, which has been in use since the 1960s. However, neurodegeneration in PD is not limited to dopaminergic neurons, and many patients experience non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairment or neuropsychiatric disturbances, for which there are limited treatment options. Moreover, there are currently no treatments able to alter the progression of neurodegeneration. There are many therapeutic strategies being investigated for PD, including alternatives to L-DOPA for the treatment of motor impairment, symptomatic treatments for non-motor symptoms, and neuroprotective or disease-modifying agents. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which include the dopamine receptors, are highly druggable cell surface proteins which can regulate numerous intracellular signaling pathways and thereby modulate the function of neuronal circuits affected by PD. This review will describe the treatment strategies being investigated for PD that target GPCRs and their downstream signaling mechanisms. First, we discuss new developments in dopaminergic agents for alleviating PD motor impairment, the role of dopamine receptors in L-DOPA induced dyskinesia, as well as agents targeting non-dopamine GPCRs which could augment or replace traditional dopaminergic treatments. We then discuss GPCRs as prospective treatments for neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms in PD. Finally, we discuss the evidence pertaining to ghrelin receptors, β-adrenergic receptors, angiotensin receptors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors, which have been proposed as disease modifying targets with potential neuroprotective effects in PD.
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18
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Krystal JH, Kane JM, Correll CU, Walling DP, Leoni M, Duvvuri S, Patel S, Chang I, Iredale P, Frohlich L, Versavel S, Perry P, Sanchez R, Renger J. Emraclidine, a novel positive allosteric modulator of cholinergic M4 receptors, for the treatment of schizophrenia: a two-part, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b trial. Lancet 2022; 400:2210-2220. [PMID: 36528376 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emraclidine is a novel, brain-penetrant, highly selective M4 receptor positive allosteric modulator in development for the treatment of schizophrenia. We aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple ascending doses of emraclidine in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS We conducted a two-part, randomised, phase 1b trial in the USA. Eligible participants were aged 18-50 years (part A) or 18-55 years (part B) with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, as confirmed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and extrapyramidal symptom assessments indicating normal to mild symptoms at screening. Part A evaluated the safety and tolerability of emraclidine in five cohorts of participants with stable schizophrenia who received ascending oral doses of emraclidine 5-40 mg (40 mg was administered as 20 mg twice daily) or placebo at a single US site. Part B was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study that enrolled adults with acute schizophrenia across five US sites; participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive emraclidine 30 mg once daily, emraclidine 20 mg twice daily, or placebo for 6 weeks (doses established in part A). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability, assessed in the safety population (participants who received at least one dose of emraclidine or placebo). This trial is now complete and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04136873. FINDINGS Between Sept 23, 2019, and Sept 17, 2020, 118 patients were assessed for eligibility and 49 were randomly assigned across five cohorts in part A. 44 participants completed the study, with 36 participants receiving emraclidine and eight receiving placebo. The two highest doses tested were selected for part B. Between Oct 12, 2020, and May 7, 2021, 148 patients were assessed for eligibility and 81 were randomly assigned to emraclidine 30 mg once daily (n=27), emraclidine 20 mg twice daily (n=27), or placebo (n=27) in part B. Incidence of adverse events (14 [52%] of 27 participants in the emraclidine 30 mg once daily group, 15 [56%] of 27 in the emraclidine 20 mg twice daily group, and 14 [52%] of 27 in the placebo group), clinical assessments, and weight changes were similar across groups. The most common adverse event was headache (15 [28%] of 54 participants in the emraclidine groups, seven [26%] of 27 in the placebo group). Modest, transient increases in blood pressure and heart rate in emraclidine groups observed at treatment initiation diminished over time and were not considered clinically meaningful by week 6. INTERPRETATION These data support further investigation of emraclidine as a once-daily treatment for schizophrenia without need for titration and with a potentially favourable side-effect profile. FUNDING Cerevel Therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Krystal
- Yale Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John M Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Medicine, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Medicine, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Ih Chang
- Cerevel Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Yohn SE, Weiden PJ, Felder CC, Stahl SM. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors for psychotic disorders: bench-side to clinic. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:1098-112. [PMID: 36273943 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Modern interest in muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activators for schizophrenia began in the 1990s when xanomeline, an M1/M4-preferring mAChR agonist developed for cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), had unexpected antipsychotic activity. However, strategies to address tolerability concerns associated with activation of peripheral mAChRs were not available at that time. The discovery of specific targeted ligands and combination treatments to reduce peripheral mAChR engagement have advanced the potential of mAChR activators as effective treatments for psychotic disorders. This review provides perspectives on the background of the identification of mAChRs as potential antipsychotics, advances in the preclinical understanding of mAChRs as targets, and the current state of mAChR activators under active clinical development for schizophrenia.
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20
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Soler-cedeno O, Xi Z. Neutral CB1 Receptor Antagonists as Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale, Evidence, and Challenge. Cells 2022; 11:3262. [PMID: 36291128 PMCID: PMC9600259 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has been one of the major targets in medication development for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Early studies indicated that rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist with an inverse agonist profile, was highly promising as a therapeutic for SUDs. However, its adverse side effects, such as depression and suicidality, led to its withdrawal from clinical trials worldwide in 2008. Consequently, much research interest shifted to developing neutral CB1R antagonists based on the recognition that rimonabant’s side effects may be related to its inverse agonist profile. In this article, we first review rimonabant’s research background as a potential pharmacotherapy for SUDs. Then, we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying its therapeutic anti-addictive effects versus its adverse effects. Lastly, we discuss the rationale for developing neutral CB1R antagonists as potential treatments for SUDs, the supporting evidence in recent research, and the challenges of this strategy. We conclude that developing neutral CB1R antagonists without inverse agonist profile may represent attractive strategies for the treatment of SUDs.
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21
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Abstract
Schizophrenia remains a challenging disease to treat effectively with current antipsychotic medications due to their limited efficacy across the entire spectrum of core symptoms as well as their often burdensome side-effect profiles and poor tolerability. An unmet need remains for novel, mechanistically unique, and better tolerated therapeutic agents for treating schizophrenia, especially those that treat not only positive symptoms but also the negative and cognitive symptoms of the disease. Almost 25 years ago, the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonist xanomeline was reported to reduce psychotic symptoms and improve cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The antipsychotic and procognitive properties of xanomeline were subsequently confirmed in a small study of acutely psychotic patients with chronic schizophrenia. These unexpected clinical findings have prompted considerable efforts across academia and industry to target mAChRs as a new approach to potentially treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The authors discuss recent advances in mAChR biology and pharmacology and the current understanding of the relative roles of the various mAChR subtypes, their downstream cellular effectors, and key neural circuits mediating the reduction in the core symptoms of schizophrenia in patients treated with xanomeline. They also provide an update on the status of novel mAChR agonists currently in development for potential treatment of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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22
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Ferranti AS, Foster DJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:925792. [PMID: 36033626 PMCID: PMC9403189 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.925792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2) is highly expressed in the immune system, emerging evidence points to CB2 playing a key role in regulating neuronal function in the central nervous system. Recent anatomical studies, combined with electrophysiological studies, indicate that CB2 receptors are expressed in specific dopaminergic and glutamatergic brain circuits that are hyperactive in schizophrenia patients. The ability of CB2 receptors to inhibit dopaminergic and hippocampal circuits, combined with the anti-inflammatory effects of CB2 receptor activation, make this receptor an intriguing target for treating schizophrenia, a disease where novel interventions that move beyond dopamine receptor antagonists are desperately needed. The development of new CB2-related pharmacological and genetic tools, including the first small molecule positive allosteric modulator of CB2 receptors, has greatly advanced our understanding of this receptor. While more work is needed to further elucidate the translational value of selectively targeting CB2 receptors with respect to schizophrenia, the studies discussed below could suggest that CB2 receptors are anatomically located in schizophrenia-relevant circuits, where the physiological consequence of CB2 receptor activation could correct circuit-based deficits commonly associated with positive and cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S. Ferranti
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Daniel J. Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
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23
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Gorberg V, Borisov V, Greig IR, Pertwee RG, McCaffery P, Anavi-Goffer S. Motor-like Tics are Mediated by CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptor-dependent and Independent Mechanisms Associated with Age and Sex. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5070-5083. [PMID: 35666403 PMCID: PMC9363400 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) inhibits tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS). Δ9-THC has similar affinities for CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, the effect of HU-308, a selective CB2 receptor agonist, on repetitive behaviors has not been investigated. The effects of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)-induced motor-like tics and Δ9-THC were studied with gene analysis. The effects of HU-308 on head twitch response (HTR), ear scratch response (ESR), and grooming behavior were compared between wildtype and CB2 receptor knockout (CB2-/-) mice, and in the presence/absence of DOI or SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. The frequency of DOI-induced repetitive behaviors was higher in CB2-/- than in wildtype mice. HU-308 increased DOI-induced ESR and grooming behavior in adult CB2-/- mice. In juveniles, HU-308 inhibited HTR and ESR in the presence of DOI and SR141716A. HU-308 and beta-caryophyllene significantly increased HTR. In the left prefrontal cortex, DOI increased transcript expression of the CB2 receptor and GPR55, but reduced fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) expression levels. CB2 receptors are required to reduce 5-HT2A/2C-induced tics in adults. HU-308 has an off-target effect which increases 5-HT2A/2C-induced motor-like tics in adult female mice. The increased HTR in juveniles induced by selective CB2 receptor agonists suggests that stimulation of the CB2 receptor may generate motor tics in children. Sex differences suggest that the CB2 receptor may contribute to the prevalence of TS in boys. The 5-HT2A/2C-induced reduction in endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme expression level may explain the increased endocannabinoids' levels in patients with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gorberg
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Veronika Borisov
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Iain R Greig
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roger G Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Peter McCaffery
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sharon Anavi-Goffer
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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24
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Ishiguro H, Kibret BG, Horiuchi Y, Onaivi ES. Potential Role of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:828895. [PMID: 35774086 PMCID: PMC9237241 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.828895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of the two canonical receptor subtypes; type-1 cannabinoid (CB1R) and type 2 receptor (CB2R), endocannabinoids (eCBs) and enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of eCBs. Recently, with the identification of additional lipid mediators, enzymes and receptors, the expanded ECS called the endocannabinoidome (eCBome) has been identified and recognized. Activation of CB1R is associated with a plethora of physiological effects and some central nervous system (CNS) side effects, whereas, CB2R activation is devoid of such effects and hence CB2Rs might be utilized as potential new targets for the treatment of different disorders including neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous studies suggested that CB2Rs were absent in the brain and they were considered as peripheral receptors, however, recent studies confirmed the presence of CB2Rs in different brain regions. Several studies have now focused on the characterization of its physiological and pathological roles. Studies done on the role of CB2Rs as a therapeutic target for treating different disorders revealed important putative role of CB2R in neuropsychiatric disorders that requires further clinical validation. Here we provide current insights and knowledge on the potential role of targeting CB2Rs in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Its non-psychoactive effect makes the CB2R a potential target for treating CNS disorders; however, a better understanding of the fundamental pharmacology of CB2R activation is essential for the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ishiguro
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Berhanu Geresu Kibret
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Yasue Horiuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emmanuel S. Onaivi
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
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25
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Kurose H, Kim SG. Pharmacology of Antagonism of GPCR. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:669-674. [PMID: 35650094 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Agonists are defined as the ligands that activate intracellular signaling and evoke cellular responses. Synthetic and endogenous agonists should bind specific amino acids to activate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Agonists that induce maximal responses are full agonists. Partial agonists cannot induce full responses unlike full agonists. In definition, antagonists inhibit agonist-stimulated responses by binding to orthosteric or allosteric sites. Antagonists modulate agonist-induced responses and are often related with inverse agonist activity. However, the relationship between antagonists and partial agonists is complex. An antagonist behaves as a partial agonist when the constitutive activity of the GPCR is high. In contrast, a partial agonist with very weak intrinsic activity may be classified as an antagonist. Thus, antagonisms of the compounds are influenced by constitutive activity of GPCRs, intrinsic activity and differences in the binding sites of GPCRs. Since "antagonism" has been revealed to have multiple aspects and more complex than previously thought, it may be difficult to classify each compound as simply "agonist" or "antagonist" as before. In this review, we discuss the recent findings and perspectives on the pharmacology of GPCR-binding antagonists, inverse agonists, and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Kurose
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | - Sang Geon Kim
- Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul
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26
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Huang Q, Liao C, Ge F, Ao J, Liu T. Acetylcholine bidirectionally regulates learning and memory. Journal of Neurorestoratology 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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27
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Lovinger DM, Mateo Y, Johnson KA, Engi SA, Antonazzo M, Cheer JF. Local modulation by presynaptic receptors controls neuronal communication and behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:191-203. [PMID: 35228740 PMCID: PMC10709822 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system neurons communicate via fast synaptic transmission mediated by ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) receptors and slower neuromodulation mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors influence many neuronal functions, including presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Presynaptic LGIC and GPCR activation by locally released neurotransmitters influences neuronal communication in ways that modify effects of somatic action potentials. Although much is known about presynaptic receptors and their mechanisms of action, less is known about when and where these receptor actions alter release, especially in vivo. This Review focuses on emerging evidence for important local presynaptic receptor actions and ideas for future studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Yolanda Mateo
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sheila A Engi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mario Antonazzo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Zhang HY, De Biase L, Chandra R, Shen H, Liu QR, Gardner E, Lobo MK, Xi ZX. Repeated cocaine administration upregulates CB 2 receptor expression in striatal medium-spiny neurons that express dopamine D 1 receptors in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:876-888. [PMID: 34316031 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2R) are importantly involved in drug reward and addiction. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying CB2R action remain unclear. We have previously reported that cocaine self-administration upregulates CB2R expression in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In the present study, we investigated whether cocaine or heroin also alters CB2R expression in striatal medium-spiny neurons that express dopamine D1 or D2 receptors (D1-MSNs, D2-MSNs) and microglia. Due to the concern of CB2R antibody specificity, we developed three mouse CB2-specific probes to detect CB2R mRNA using quantitative RT-PCR and RNAscope in situ hybridization (ISH) assays. We found that a single injection of cocaine failed to alter, while repeated cocaine injections or self-administration dose-dependently upregulated CB2R gene expression in both brain (cortex and striatum) and periphery (spleen). In contrast, repeated administration of heroin produced a dose-dependent reduction in striatal CB2 mRNA expression. RNAscope ISH assays detected CB2R mRNA in striatal D1- and D2-MSNs, not in microglia. We then used transgenic CX3CR1eGFP/+ microglia reporter mice and D1- or D2-Cre-RiboTag mice to purify striatal microglia or ribosome-associated mRNAs from CX3CR1eGFP/+, D1-MSNs, or D2-MSNs, respectively. We found that CB2R upregulation occurred mainly in D1-MSNs, not in D2-MSNs or microglia, in the nucleus accumbens rather than the dorsal striatum. These findings indicate that repeated cocaine exposure may upregulate CB2R expression in both brain and spleen, with regional and cell type-specific profiles. In the striatum, CB2R upregulation occurs mainly in D1-MSNs in the nucleus accumbens. Given the important role of D1-MSNs in brain reward function, the present findings provide new insight into mechanisms by which brain CB2Rs modulate cocaine action.
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29
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Downs AM, Donsante Y, Jinnah H, Hess EJ. Blockade of M4 muscarinic receptors on striatal cholinergic interneurons normalizes striatal dopamine release in a mouse model of TOR1A dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105699. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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30
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Kibret BG, Ishiguro H, Horiuchi Y, Onaivi ES. New Insights and Potential Therapeutic Targeting of CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors in CNS Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:975. [PMID: 35055161 PMCID: PMC8778243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is ubiquitous in most human tissues, and involved in the regulation of mental health. Consequently, its dysregulation is associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Together, the ECS and the expanded endocannabinoidome (eCBome) are composed of genes coding for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R, CB2R), endocannabinoids (eCBs), and the metabolic enzyme machinery for their synthesis and catabolism. The activation of CB1R is associated with adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), which has limited the therapeutic use of drugs that bind this receptor. The discovery of the functional neuronal CB2R raised new possibilities for the potential and safe targeting of the ECS for the treatment of CNS disorders. Previous studies were not able to detect CB2R mRNA transcripts in brain tissue and suggested that CB2Rs were absent in the brain and were considered peripheral receptors. Studies done on the role of CB2Rs as a potential therapeutic target for treating different disorders revealed the important putative role of CB2Rs in certain CNS disorders, which requires further clinical validation. This review addresses recent advances on the role of CB2Rs in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD) and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhanu Geresu Kibret
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
| | - Hiroki Ishiguro
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Ethics, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan;
| | - Yasue Horiuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Emmanuel S. Onaivi
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
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31
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Bender AM, Carter TR, Spock M, Rodriguez AL, Dickerson JW, Rook JM, Chang S, Qi A, Presley CC, Engers DW, Harp JM, Bridges TM, Niswender CM, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW. Synthesis and characterization of chiral 6-azaspiro[2.5]octanes as potent and selective antagonists of the M 4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 56:128479. [PMID: 34838649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we report a series of chiral 6-azaspiro[2.5]octanes and related spirocycles as highly potent and selective antagonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 4 (mAChR4). Chiral separation and subsequent X-ray crystallographic analysis of early generation analogs revealed the R enantiomer to possess excellent human and rat M4 potency, and further structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on this chiral scaffold led to the discovery of VU6015241 (compound 19). Compound 19 is characterized by high M4 potency and selectivity across multiple species, excellent aqueous solubility, and moderate brain exposure in rodents after intraperitoneal administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Bender
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
| | - Trever R Carter
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Matthew Spock
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Alice L Rodriguez
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jonathan W Dickerson
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jerri M Rook
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Sichen Chang
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Aidong Qi
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Christopher C Presley
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Darren W Engers
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Joel M Harp
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Thomas M Bridges
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
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Vaidya S, Guerin AA, Walker LC, Lawrence AJ. Clinical Effectiveness of Muscarinic Receptor-Targeted Interventions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:1171-1206. [PMID: 36269510 PMCID: PMC9653329 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For decades, treatment of mood disorders, psychoses, anxiety and dementia have been confounded by limited efficacy and high rates of treatment resistance. Preclinical and clinical evidence have highlighted disruption of cholinergic signalling in several neuropsychiatric conditions and examined intervention strategies including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and nicotinic receptor-targeted intervention. However, the effectiveness of these approaches is often curtailed by on-target side effects. Post mortem studies implicate muscarinic receptor dysregulation in neuropsychiatric pathophysiology; therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of muscarinic receptor-targeted interventions in adults with neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, EBSCO and Web of Science were searched using relevant keywords from database inception to 7 August 2022. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were included if they investigated the effect of muscarinic receptor-targeted intervention in adults with a diagnosis of a neuropsychiatric disorder and were published in English. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted to describe the findings. Wherever three or more studies with a similar intervention were available, effect sizes were calculated, and a meta-analysis was performed. Cochrane risk-of-bias-2 tool was utilised to assess the risk of bias, and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify publication bias. Certainty analysis (high, moderate, low and/or very low) was conducted using GRADE criteria. RESULTS Overall, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and 5 were included in the meta-analysis. Despite a limited pool with several different interventions, we found therapeutic efficacy of xanomeline (M1/M4 agonist) in primary psychotic disorders plus behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Scopolamine showed a significant antidepressant effect in a combined cohort of major depressive and bipolar disorders in the short-term outcome measure, but no effect following cessation of treatment. Results from bias assessments suggest "very low" certainty in the antidepressant effect of scopolamine. Critical limitations of the current literature included low power, high heterogeneity in the patient population and a lack of active comparators. CONCLUSION While the results are not definitive, findings on muscarinic receptor-targeted interventions in several mental disorders are promising in terms of efficacy and safety, specifically in treating schizophrenia, mood disorders, and behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. However, orthosteric muscarinic receptor-targeted interventions are associated with a range of peripheral adverse effects that are thought to be mediated via M2/M3 receptors. The orthosteric binding site of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is remarkably conserved, posing a challenge for subtype-selective interventions; nonetheless allosteric ligands with biased signalling pathways are now in development. We conclude that adequately powered prospective studies with subtype-selective interventions are required to determine the clinical effectiveness of muscarinic-receptor targeted interventions for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Vaidya
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,Florey Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Alexandre A. Guerin
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,Orygen, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Leigh C. Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,Florey Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,Florey Department of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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Schledwitz A, Sundel MH, Alizadeh M, Hu S, Xie G, Raufman JP. Differential Actions of Muscarinic Receptor Subtypes in Gastric, Pancreatic, and Colon Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313153. [PMID: 34884958 PMCID: PMC8658119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers arising from gastrointestinal epithelial cells are common, aggressive, and difficult to treat. Progress in this area resulted from recognizing that the biological behavior of these cancers is highly dependent on bioactive molecules released by neurocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. For many decades after its discovery as a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine was thought to be synthesized and released uniquely from neurons and considered the sole physiological ligand for muscarinic receptor subtypes, which were believed to have similar or redundant actions. In the intervening years, we learned this former dogma is not tenable. (1) Acetylcholine is not produced and released only by neurons. The cellular machinery required to synthesize and release acetylcholine is present in immune, cancer, and other cells, as well as in lower organisms (e.g., bacteria) that inhabit the gut. (2) Acetylcholine is not the sole physiological activator of muscarinic receptors. For example, selected bile acids can modulate muscarinic receptor function. (3) Muscarinic receptor subtypes anticipated to have overlapping functions based on similar G protein coupling and downstream signaling may have unexpectedly diverse actions. Here, we review the relevant research findings supporting these conclusions and discuss how the complexity of muscarinic receptor biology impacts health and disease, focusing on their role in the initiation and progression of gastric, pancreatic, and colon cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Schledwitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
| | - Margaret H. Sundel
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Madeline Alizadeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- The Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shien Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Guofeng Xie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-328-8728
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Long MF, Capstick RA, Spearing PK, Engers JL, Gregro AR, Bollinger SR, Chang S, Luscombe VB, Rodriguez AL, Cho HP, Niswender CM, Bridges TM, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Engers DW, Temple KJ. Discovery of structurally distinct tricyclic M 4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) chemotypes - Part 2. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 53:128416. [PMID: 34710625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This Letter details our efforts to develop novel tricyclic M4 PAM scaffolds with improved pharmacological properties. This endeavor involved a "tie-back" strategy to replace the 3-amino-4,6-dimethylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide core which lead to the discovery of two novel tricyclic cores: a 7,9-dimethylpyrido[3',2':4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core and 2,4-dimethylthieno[2,3-b:5,4-c']dipyridine core. Both tricyclic cores displayed low nanomolar potency against the human M4 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline F Long
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rory A Capstick
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Paul K Spearing
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Julie L Engers
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alison R Gregro
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sean R Bollinger
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sichen Chang
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Vincent B Luscombe
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alice L Rodriguez
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Hyekyung P Cho
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas M Bridges
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Darren W Engers
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kayla J Temple
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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He XH, Galaj E, Bi GH, He Y, Hempel B, Wang YL, Gardner EL, Xi ZX. β-caryophyllene, an FDA-Approved Food Additive, Inhibits Methamphetamine-Taking and Methamphetamine-Seeking Behaviors Possibly via CB2 and Non-CB2 Receptor Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:722476. [PMID: 34566647 PMCID: PMC8458938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.722476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research indicates that brain cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in drug reward and addiction. However, it is unclear whether β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural product with a CB2 receptor agonist profile, has therapeutic effects on methamphetamine (METH) abuse and dependence. In this study, we used animal models of self-administration, electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) and in vivo microdialysis to explore the effects of BCP on METH-taking and METH-seeking behavior. We found that systemic administration of BCP dose-dependently inhibited METH self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules in rats, indicating that BCP reduces METH reward, METH intake, and incentive motivation to seek and take METH. The attenuating effects of BCP were partially blocked by AM 630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist. Genetic deletion of CB2 receptors in CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice also blocked low dose BCP-induced reduction in METH self-administration, suggesting possible involvement of a CB2 receptor mechanism. However, at high doses, BCP produced a reduction in METH self-administration in CB2-KO mice in a manner similar as in WT mice, suggesting that non-CB2 receptor mechanisms underlie high dose BCP-produced effects. In addition, BCP dose-dependently attenuated METH-enhanced electrical BSR and inhibited METH-primed and cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking in rats. In vivo microdialysis assays indicated that BCP alone did not produce a significant reduction in extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), while BCP pretreatment significantly reduced METH-induced increases in extracellular NAc DA in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a DA-dependent mechanism involved in BCP action. Together, the present findings suggest that BCP might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of METH use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Hu He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yi He
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Briana Hempel
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yan-Lin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Neef J, Palacios DS. Progress in mechanistically novel treatments for schizophrenia. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1459-1475. [PMID: 34671731 PMCID: PMC8459322 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00096a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently available pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia derive their activity mainly by directly modulating the D2 receptor. This mode of action can alleviate the positive symptoms of schizophrenia but do not address the negative or cognitive symptoms of the disease and carry a heavy side effect burden that leads to high levels of patient non-compliance. Novel mechanisms to treat the positive symptoms of schizophrenia with improved tolerability, as well as medicines to treat negative and cognitive symptoms are urgently required. Recent efforts to identify small molecules for schizophrenia with non-D2 mechanisms will be highlighted, with a focus on those that have reached clinical development. Finally, the potential for disease modifying treatments for schizophrenia will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Neef
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc 22 Windsor St Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Daniel S Palacios
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc 22 Windsor St Cambridge MA 02139 USA
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37
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Ellner D, Hallam B, Frie JA, Thorpe HHA, Shoaib M, Kayir H, Jenkins BW, Khokhar JY. Discordant Effects of Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Antagonism/Inverse Agonism During Adolescence on Pavlovian and Instrumental Reward Learning in Adult Male Rats. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:732402. [PMID: 34526887 PMCID: PMC8437373 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.732402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating a spectrum of physiological activities and plays a critical role in the developing brain. During adolescence, the endocannabinoid system is particularly sensitive to external insults that may change the brain’s developmental trajectory. Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) was initially thought to predominantly function in the peripheral nervous system, but more recent studies have implicated its role in the mesolimbic pathway, a network largely attributed to reward circuitry and reward motivated behavior, which undergoes extensive changes during adolescence. It is therefore important to understand how CB2R modulation during adolescence can impact reward-related behaviors in adulthood. In this study, adolescent male rats (postnatal days 28–41) were exposed to a low or high dose of the CB2R antagonist/inverse agonist SR144528 and Pavlovian autoshaping and instrumental conditional behavioral outcomes were measured in adulthood. SR144528-treated rats had significantly slower acquisition of the autoshaping task, seen by less lever pressing behavior over time [F(2, 19) = 5.964, p = 0.010]. Conversely, there was no effect of adolescent SR144528 exposure on instrumental conditioning. These results suggest that modulation of the CB2R in adolescence differentially impacts reward-learning behaviors in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danna Ellner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Bryana Hallam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jude A Frie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Hayley H A Thorpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad Shoaib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Hakan Kayir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Bryan W Jenkins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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38
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Covey DP, Yocky AG. Endocannabinoid Modulation of Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry and Terminal Dopamine Release. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:734975. [PMID: 34497503 PMCID: PMC8419321 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.734975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is located in the ventromedial portion of the striatum and is vital to valence-based predictions and motivated action. The neural architecture of the NAc allows for complex interactions between various cell types that filter incoming and outgoing information. Dopamine (DA) input serves a crucial role in modulating NAc function, but the mechanisms that control terminal DA release and its effect on NAc neurons continues to be elucidated. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has emerged as an important filter of neural circuitry within the NAc that locally shapes terminal DA release through various cell type- and site-specific actions. Here, we will discuss how eCB signaling modulates terminal DA release by shaping the activity patterns of NAc neurons and their afferent inputs. We then discuss recent technological advancements that are capable of dissecting how distinct cell types, their afferent projections, and local neuromodulators influence valence-based actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan P Covey
- Department of Neuroscience, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alyssa G Yocky
- Department of Neuroscience, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Magham SV, Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy P, Shaji N, Mani L, Balasubramanian S. Cannabinoid receptor 2 selective agonists and Alzheimer's disease: An insight into the therapeutic potentials. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2888-2905. [PMID: 34486749 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system has been extensively studied in recent decades, particularly the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, due to their important role in neuroinflammation. Among these, CB2 has gained prominence due to its selective overexpression in glial cells during neuroinflammation. In contrast to CB1 agonists, CB2 agonists have no side effects such as ataxia, hypothermia, euphoria, psychological, or addiction liabilities. CB2 and its selective agonists' above-mentioned unique properties have become a research focus in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The review discusses the neuroprotective role of CB receptors, particularly CB2, in AD, as well as the significance and limitations of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Varshini Magham
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | | | - Neenu Shaji
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | - Lalithkumar Mani
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
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Spock M, Carter TR, Bollinger KA, Han C, Baker LA, Rodriguez AL, Peng L, Dickerson JW, Qi A, Rook JM, O’Neill JC, Watson KJ, Chang S, Bridges TM, Engers JL, Engers DW, Niswender CM, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Bender AM. Discovery of VU6028418: A Highly Selective and Orally Bioavailable M 4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonist. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1342-1349. [PMID: 34413964 PMCID: PMC8366002 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report the SAR leading to the discovery of VU6028418, a potent M4 mAChR antagonist with high subtype-selectivity and attractive DMPK properties in vitro and in vivo across multiple species. VU6028418 was subsequently evaluated as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of dystonia and other movement disorders. During the characterization of VU6028418, a novel use of deuterium incorporation as a means to modulate CYP inhibition was also discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Spock
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Trever R. Carter
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Katrina A. Bollinger
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Changho Han
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Logan A. Baker
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Alice L. Rodriguez
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Li Peng
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jonathan W. Dickerson
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Aidong Qi
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jerri M. Rook
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jordan C. O’Neill
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Katherine J. Watson
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Sichen Chang
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Thomas M. Bridges
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Julie L. Engers
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Darren W. Engers
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Aaron M. Bender
- Warren
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, and Vanderbilt Kennedy
Center, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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41
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Lange HS, Vardigan JD, Cannon CE, Puri V, Henze DA, Uslaner JM. Effects of a novel M4 muscarinic positive allosteric modulator on behavior and cognitive deficits relevant to Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia in rhesus monkey. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108754. [PMID: 34389398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a profoundly debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized most notably by progressive cognitive decline, but also agitation and behavioral disturbances that are extremely disruptive to patient and caregiver. Current pharmacological treatments for these symptoms have limited efficacy and significant side effects. We have recently reported the discovery of Compound 24, an M4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) that is potent, highly selective, and devoid of cholinergic-like side effects in rats. In order to further evaluate the translatability of the effects of compound 24 in primates, here we describe the effect of Compound 24 on three behavioral and cognition assays in rhesus monkeys, the stimulant induced motor activity (SIMA) assay, the object retrieval detour task (ORD), and the visuo-spatial paired-associates learning (vsPAL) task. As far as we know, this is the first such characterization of an M4 PAM in non-human primate. Compound 24 and the clinical standard olanzapine attenuated amphetamine induced hyperactivity to a similar degree. In addition, Compound 24 demonstrated procognitive effects in scopolamine-impaired ORD and vsPAL, and these effects were of similar magnitude to donepezil. These findings suggest that M4 PAMs may be beneficial to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, which are marked by behavioral disturbances as well as deficits in cognitive function.
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42
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Moehle MS, Bender AM, Dickerson JW, Foster DJ, Qi A, Cho HP, Donsante Y, Peng W, Bryant Z, Stillwell KJ, Bridges TM, Chang S, Watson KJ, O’Neill JC, Engers JL, Peng L, Rodriguez AL, Niswender CM, Lindsley CW, Hess EJ, Conn PJ, Rook JM. Discovery of the First Selective M 4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonists with in Vivo Antiparkinsonian and Antidystonic Efficacy. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1306-1321. [PMID: 34423268 PMCID: PMC8369681 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonselective antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) that broadly inhibit all five mAChR subtypes provide an efficacious treatment for some movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Despite their efficacy in these and other central nervous system disorders, antimuscarinic therapy has limited utility due to severe adverse effects that often limit their tolerability by patients. Recent advances in understanding the roles that each mAChR subtype plays in disease pathology suggest that highly selective ligands for individual subtypes may underlie the antiparkinsonian and antidystonic efficacy observed with the use of nonselective antimuscarinic therapeutics. Our recent work has indicated that the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor has several important roles in opposing aberrant neurotransmitter release, intracellular signaling pathways, and brain circuits associated with movement disorders. This raises the possibility that selective antagonists of M4 may recapitulate the efficacy of nonselective antimuscarinic therapeutics and may decrease or eliminate the adverse effects associated with these drugs. However, this has not been directly tested due to lack of selective antagonists of M4. Here, we utilize genetic mAChR knockout animals in combination with nonselective mAChR antagonists to confirm that the M4 receptor activation is required for the locomotor-stimulating and antiparkinsonian efficacy in rodent models. We also report the synthesis, discovery, and characterization of the first-in-class selective M4 antagonists VU6013720, VU6021302, and VU6021625 and confirm that these optimized compounds have antiparkinsonian and antidystonic efficacy in pharmacological and genetic models of movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Moehle
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States,Department
of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Center for Translational Research
in Neurodegeneration, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Aaron M. Bender
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jonathan W. Dickerson
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Daniel J. Foster
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States,Vanderbilt
Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Aidong Qi
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Hyekyung P. Cho
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Yuping Donsante
- Department
of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Weimin Peng
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Zoey Bryant
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kaylee J. Stillwell
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Thomas M. Bridges
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Sichen Chang
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Katherine J. Watson
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jordan C. O’Neill
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Julie L. Engers
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Li Peng
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Alice L. Rodriguez
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States,Vanderbilt
Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Ellen J. Hess
- Department
of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States,Vanderbilt
Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States,E-mail:
| | - Jerri M. Rook
- Department
of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States,E-mail:
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43
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Vermudez SAD, Gogliotti RG, Arthur B, Buch A, Morales C, Moxley Y, Rajpal H, Conn PJ, Niswender CM. Profiling beneficial and potential adverse effects of MeCP2 overexpression in a hypomorphic Rett syndrome mouse model. Genes Brain Behav 2021; 21:e12752. [PMID: 34002468 PMCID: PMC8599502 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
De novo loss-of-function mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) lead to the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome (RTT). Despite promising results from strategies aimed at increasing MeCP2 levels, additional studies exploring how hypomorphic MeCP2 mutations impact the therapeutic window are needed. Here, we investigated the consequences of genetically introducing a wild-type MECP2 transgene in the Mecp2 R133C mouse model of RTT. The MECP2 transgene reversed the majority of RTT-like phenotypes exhibited by male and female Mecp2 R133C mice. However, three core symptom domains were adversely affected in female Mecp2R133C/+ animals; these phenotypes resemble those observed in disease contexts of excess MeCP2. Parallel control experiments in Mecp2Null/+ mice linked these adverse effects to the hypomorphic R133C mutation. Collectively, these data provide evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of genetically overexpressing functional MeCP2 in Mecp2 R133C mice and suggest that personalized approaches may warrant consideration for the clinical assessment of MeCP2-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Anne D. Vermudez
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Rocco G. Gogliotti
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and NeuroscienceLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Bright Arthur
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Aditi Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Clarissa Morales
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Yuta Moxley
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Hemangi Rajpal
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA,Vanderbilt Kennedy CenterVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology and Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug DiscoveryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA,Vanderbilt Kennedy CenterVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA,Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical BiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
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44
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Wysocka A, Palasz E, Steczkowska M, Niewiadomska G. Dangerous Liaisons: Tau Interaction with Muscarinic Receptors. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 17:224-237. [PMID: 32329686 PMCID: PMC7509759 DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666200424134311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The molecular processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's Disease - AD) remain poorly understood. There is also an imperative need for disease-modifying therapies in AD since the present treatments, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists, do not halt its progression. AD and other dementias present unique pathological features such as that of microtubule associated protein tau metabolic regulation. Tau has numerous binding partners, including signaling molecules, cytoskeletal elements and lipids, which suggests that it is a multifunctional protein. AD has also been associated with severe loss of cholinergic markers in the brain and such loss may be due to the toxic interaction of tau with cholinergic muscarinic receptors. By using specific antagonists of muscarinic receptors it was found in vitro that extracellular tau binds to M1 and M3 receptors and which the increase of intracellular calcium found in neuronal cells upon tau-binding. However, so far, the significance of tau signaling through muscarinic receptor in vivo in tauopathic models remains uncertain. The data reviewed in the present paper highlight the significant effect of M1 receptor/tau interaction in exacerbating tauopathy related pathological features and suggest that selective M1 agonists may serve as a prototype for future therapeutic development toward modification of currently intractable neurodegenerative diseases, such as tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Wysocka
- Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewelina Palasz
- Department of Applied Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Center, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Steczkowska
- Department of Applied Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Center, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grazyna Niewiadomska
- Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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45
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Zhang HY, Shen H, Gao M, Ma Z, Hempel BJ, Bi GH, Gardner EL, Wu J, Xi ZX. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors are expressed in glutamate neurons in the red nucleus and functionally modulate motor behavior in mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 189:108538. [PMID: 33789118 PMCID: PMC8122071 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids produce a number of central nervous system effects via the CB2 receptor (CB2R), including analgesia, antianxiety, anti-reward, hypoactivity and attenuation of opioid-induced respiratory depression. However, the cellular distributions of the CB2Rs in the brain remain unclear. We have reported that CB2Rs are expressed in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons and functionally regulate DA-mediated behavior(s). Unexpectedly, high densities of CB2-like signaling were also found in a neighboring motor structure - the red nucleus (RN) of the midbrain. In the present study, we systematically explored CB2R expression and function in the RN. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays showed high densities of CB2R-immunostaining and mRNA signal in RN magnocellular glutamate neurons in wildtype and CB1-knockout, but not CB2-knockout, mice. Ex vivo electrophysiological recordings in midbrain slices demonstrated that CB2R activation by JWH133 dose-dependently inhibited firing rates of RN magnocellular neurons in wildtype, but not CB2-knockout, mice, while having no effect on RN GABA neurons in transgenic GAD67-GFP reporter mice, suggesting CB2-mediated effects on glutamatergic neurons. In addition, microinjection of JWH133 into the RN produced robust ipsilateral rotations in wildtype, but not CB2-knockout mice, which was blocked by pretreatment with either a CB2 or DA D1 or D2 receptor antagonist, suggesting a DA-dependent effect. Finally, fluorescent tract tracing revealed glutamatergic projections from the RN to multiple brain areas including the ventral tegmental area, thalamus, and cerebellum. These findings suggest that CB2Rs in RN glutamate neurons functionally modulate motor activity, and therefore, constitute a new target in cannabis-based medication development for motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ying Zhang
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Synaptic Plasticity Section, Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Zegang Ma
- Institute of Brain Science and Diseases, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Briana J Hempel
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA; Institute of Brain Science and Diseases, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China.
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a diverse range of symptoms that can have profound impacts on the lives of patients. Currently available antipsychotics target dopamine receptors, and while they are useful for ameliorating the positive symptoms of the disorder, this approach often does not significantly improve negative and cognitive symptoms. Excitingly, preclinical and clinical research suggests that targeting specific muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes could provide more comprehensive symptomatic relief with the potential to ameliorate numerous symptom domains. Mechanistic studies reveal that M1, M4, and M5 receptor subtypes can modulate the specific brain circuits and physiology that are disrupted in schizophrenia and are thought to underlie positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Novel therapeutic strategies for targeting these receptors are now advancing in clinical and preclinical development and expand upon the promise of these new treatment strategies to potentially provide more comprehensive relief than currently available antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States
| | - Zoey K Bryant
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, United States.
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47
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Gomes FV, Grace AA. Beyond Dopamine Receptor Antagonism: New Targets for Schizophrenia Treatment and Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4467. [PMID: 33922888 PMCID: PMC8123139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of schizophrenia (SCZ) historically relies on the use of antipsychotic drugs to treat psychosis, with all of the currently available antipsychotics acting through the antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors. Although antipsychotics reduce psychotic symptoms in many patients, they induce numerous undesirable effects and are not effective against negative and cognitive symptoms. These highlight the need to develop new drugs to treat SCZ. An advanced understanding of the circuitry of SCZ has pointed to pathological origins in the excitation/inhibition balance in regions such as the hippocampus, and restoring function in this region, particularly as a means to compensate for parvalbumin (PV) interneuron loss and resultant hippocampal hyperactivity, may be a more efficacious approach to relieve a broad range of SCZ symptoms. Other targets, such as cholinergic receptors and the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), have also shown some promise for the treatment of SCZ. Importantly, assessing efficacy of novel compounds must take into consideration treatment history of the patient, as preclinical studies suggest prior antipsychotic treatment may interfere with the efficacy of these novel agents. However, while novel therapeutic targets may be more effective in treating SCZ, a more effective approach would be to prevent the transition to SCZ in susceptible individuals. A focus on stress, which has been shown to be a predisposing factor in risk for SCZ, is a possible avenue that has shown promise in preclinical studies. Therefore, therapeutic approaches based on our current understanding of the circuitry of SCZ and its etiology are likely to enable development of more effective therapeutic interventions for this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe V. Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 01000-000, Brazil;
| | - Anthony A. Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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48
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Galaj E, Bi GH, Moore A, Chen K, He Y, Gardner E, Xi ZX. Beta-caryophyllene inhibits cocaine addiction-related behavior by activation of PPARα and PPARγ: repurposing a FDA-approved food additive for cocaine use disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:860-870. [PMID: 33069159 PMCID: PMC8026612 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine abuse continues to be a serious health problem worldwide. Despite intense research, there is still no FDA-approved medication to treat cocaine use disorder (CUD). In this report, we explored the potential utility of beta-caryophyllene (BCP), an FDA-approved food additive for the treatment of CUD. We found that BCP, when administered intraperitoneally or intragastrically, dose-dependently attenuated cocaine self-administration, cocaine-conditioned place preference, and cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug seeking in rats. In contrast, BCP failed to alter food self-administration or cocaine-induced hyperactivity. It also failed to maintain self-administration in a drug substitution test, suggesting that BCP has no abuse potential. BCP was previously reported to be a selective CB2 receptor agonist. Unexpectedly, pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of CB1, CB2, or GPR55 receptors in gene-knockout mice failed to alter BCP's action against cocaine self-administration, suggesting the involvement of non-CB1, non-CB2, and non-GPR55 receptor mechanisms. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of μ opioid receptor or Toll-like receptors complex failed to alter, while blockade of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, PPARγ) reversed BCP-induced reduction in cocaine self-administration, suggesting the involvement of PPARα and PPARγ in BCP's action. Finally, we used electrical and optogenetic intracranial self-stimulation (eICSS, oICSS) paradigms to study the underlying neural substrate mechanisms. We found that BCP is more effective in attenuation of cocaine-enhanced oICSS than eICSS, the former driven by optical activation of midbrain dopamine neurons in DAT-cre mice. These findings indicate that BCP may be useful for the treatment of CUD, likely by stimulation of PPARα and PPARγ in the mesolimbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Allamar Moore
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Neuropychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Kai Chen
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA ,grid.413247.7Present Address: Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071 China
| | - Yi He
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Present Address: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
| | - Eliot Gardner
- grid.420090.f0000 0004 0533 7147Neuropychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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49
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Li X, Hempel BJ, Yang HJ, Han X, Bi GH, Gardner EL, Xi ZX. Dissecting the role of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in cannabinoid reward versus aversion using transgenic CB 1- and CB 2-knockout mice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 43:38-51. [PMID: 33334652 PMCID: PMC7854511 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids produce both rewarding and aversive effects in humans and experimental animals. However, the mechanisms underlying these conflicting findings are unclear. Here we examined the potential involvement of CB1 and CB2 receptors in cannabinoid action using transgenic CB1-knockout (CB1-KO) and CB2-knockout (CB2-KO) mice. We found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) induced conditioned place preference at a low dose (1 mg/kg) in WT mice that was attenuated by deletion of the CB1 receptor. At 5 mg/kg, no subjective effects of Δ9-THC were detected in WT mice, but CB1-KO mice exhibited a trend towards place aversion and CB2-KO mice developed significant place preferences. This data suggests that activation of the CB1 receptor is rewarding, while CB2R activation is aversive. We then examined the nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine (DA) response to Δ9-THC using in vivo microdialysis. Unexpectedly, Δ9-THC produced a dose-dependent decrease in extracellular DA in WT mice, that was potentiated in CB1-KO mice. However, in CB2-KO mice Δ9-THC produced a dose-dependent increase in extracellular DA, suggesting that activation of the CB2R inhibits DA release in the NAc. In contrast, Δ9-THC, when administered systemically or locally into the NAc, failed to alter extracellular DA in rats. Lastly, we examined the locomotor response to Δ9-THC. Both CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms were shown to underlie Δ9-THC-induced hypolocomotion. These findings indicate that Δ9-THC's variable subjective effects reflect differential activation of cannabinoid receptors. Specifically, the opposing actions of CB1 and CB2 receptors regulate cannabis reward and aversion, with CB2-mediated effects predominant in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Briana J Hempel
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Hong-Ju Yang
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Bi
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Eliot L Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, NIDA IRP, BRC Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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van der Westhuizen ET, Choy KHC, Valant C, McKenzie-Nickson S, Bradley SJ, Tobin AB, Sexton PM, Christopoulos A. Fine Tuning Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling Through Allostery and Bias. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:606656. [PMID: 33584282 PMCID: PMC7878563 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.606656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The M1 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are highly pursued drug targets for neurological diseases, in particular for Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Due to high sequence homology, selective targeting of any of the M1-M5 mAChRs through the endogenous ligand binding site has been notoriously difficult to achieve. With the discovery of highly subtype selective mAChR positive allosteric modulators in the new millennium, selectivity through targeting an allosteric binding site has opened new avenues for drug discovery programs. However, some hurdles remain to be overcome for these promising new drug candidates to progress into the clinic. One challenge is the potential for on-target side effects, such as for the M1 mAChR where over-activation of the receptor by orthosteric or allosteric ligands can be detrimental. Therefore, in addition to receptor subtype selectivity, a drug candidate may need to exhibit a biased signaling profile to avoid such on-target adverse effects. Indeed, recent studies in mice suggest that allosteric modulators for the M1 mAChR that bias signaling toward specific pathways may be therapeutically important. This review brings together details on the signaling pathways activated by the M1 and M4 mAChRs, evidence of biased agonism at these receptors, and highlights pathways that may be important for developing new subtype selective allosteric ligands to achieve therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma T. van der Westhuizen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - K. H. Christopher Choy
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon McKenzie-Nickson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie J. Bradley
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew B. Tobin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick M. Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Research, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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