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Cipriano A, Kapil RP, Zhou M, Shet MS, Whiteside GT, Willsie SK, Harris SC. Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Single- and Multiple-Ascending Doses of Sunobi nop in Healthy Participants. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2024. [PMID: 38476082 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1394] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Sunobinop is an investigational, potent, selective partial agonist at the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor in vitro. Three phase 1 studies were conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of escalating single- and multiple-dose administration of sunobinop in healthy participants. Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-ascending dose study. Study 2 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending dose study. Study 3 was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, 4-way crossover study of oral and sublingual sunobinop comparing morning (AM) and bedtime (PM) administration. Seventy participants were included. Systemic exposure (peak plasma concentration [Cmax ], area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the time of last quantifiable concentration [AUC0-t ], and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity [AUCinf ]) of sunobinop was characterized by dose proportionality from 0.6 to 2 mg and increased less than proportionally from 3 to 30 mg. The PKs of sunobinop were similar, regardless of AM or PM administration, for both the oral and sublingual formulations. The majority of absorbed sunobinop was excreted unchanged in the urine within 8 hours of dosing, thereby showing rapid elimination with no appreciable accumulation following 14 consecutive days of once-daily dosing and suggesting exclusive renal elimination. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild in severity; 1 severe TEAE occurred and all TEAEs resolved by the end of the studies. Sunobinop was generally well-tolerated and safe across the range of doses evaluated and presents a clinical profile suitable for continued development.
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Meyer ME, Doshi A, Polgar WE, Zaveri NT. Discovery and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a novel class of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indole-based nociceptin opioid receptor ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 92:117421. [PMID: 37573822 PMCID: PMC10491432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117421] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of SAR around substituted N-piperidinyl indole-based nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) ligands led to the discovery of a novel series of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles that provide both selective NOP full agonists and bifunctional NOP full agonists-μ opioid (MOP) receptor partial agonists. 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles have improved potency at the NOP receptor and are NOP full agonists, compared to our previously reported 3-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles that are selective NOP partial agonists. SAR in this series of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles shows that 2-substitution versus 3-substitution on the indole moiety affects their intrinsic activity and opioid receptor selectivity. Molecular docking of these 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles in an active-state NOP homology model and MOP receptor structures provides a rationale for the differences observed in the binding, functional profiles and selectivity of 2-substituted versus 3-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Meyer
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Arpit Doshi
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Willma E Polgar
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
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Guan Q, Velho RV, Jordan A, Pommer S, Radde I, Sehouli J, Mechsner S. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Opioid Peptide-Receptor Expression in the Endometriosis-Associated Nerve Fibers-Possible Treatment Option? Cells 2023; 12:1395. [PMID: 37408230 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101395] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting millions of women worldwide. Chronic pelvic pain is one of the main problems of this condition, leading to quality-of-life impairment. Currently, available treatment options are not able to treat these women accurately. A better understanding of the pain mechanisms would be beneficial to integrate additional therapeutic management strategies, especially specific analgesic options. To understand pain in more detail, nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor expression was analyzed in EM-associated nerve fibers (NFs) for the first time. Laparoscopically excised peritoneal samples from 94 symptomatic women (73 with EM and 21 controls) were immunohistochemically stained for NOP, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Peritoneal NFs of EM patients and healthy controls were positive for NOP and often colocalized with SP-, CGRP-, TH-, and VIP-positive nerve fibers, suggesting that NOP is expressed in sensory and autonomic nerve fibers. In addition, NOP expression was increased in EM associate NF. Our findings highlight the potential of NOP agonists, particularly in chronic EM-associated pain syndromes and deserve further study, as the efficacy of NOP-selective agonists in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Guan
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Renata Voltolini Velho
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Jordan
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Pommer
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Radde
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Mechsner
- Endometriosis Research Center, Department of Gynecology Charité with Center of Oncological Surgery, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Morairty SR, Sun Y, Toll L, Bruchas MR, Kilduff TS. Activation of the nociceptin/orphanin-FQ receptor promotes NREM sleep and EEG slow wave activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214171120. [PMID: 36947514 PMCID: PMC10068791 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214171120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep/wake control involves several neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems yet the coordination of the behavioral and physiological processes underlying sleep is incompletely understood. Previous studies have suggested that activation of the Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOPR) reduces locomotor activity and produces a sedation-like effect in rodents. In the present study, we systematically evaluated the efficacy of two NOPR agonists, Ro64-6198 and SR16835, on sleep/wake in rats, mice, and Cynomolgus macaques. We found a profound, dose-related increase in non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep and electroencephalogram (EEG) slow wave activity (SWA) and suppression of Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM) sleep in all three species. At the highest dose tested in rats, the increase in NREM sleep and EEG SWA was accompanied by a prolonged inhibition of REM sleep, hypothermia, and reduced locomotor activity. However, even at the highest dose tested, rats were immediately arousable upon sensory stimulation, suggesting sleep rather than an anesthetic state. NOPR agonism also resulted in increased expression of c-Fos in the anterodorsal preoptic and parastrial nuclei, two GABAergic nuclei that are highly interconnected with brain regions involved in physiological regulation. These results suggest that the N/OFQ-NOPR system may have a previously unrecognized role in sleep/wake control and potential promise as a therapeutic target for the treatment of insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R. Morairty
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Yu Sun
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Michael R. Bruchas
- Center for Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Thomas S. Kilduff
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA94025
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Cippitelli A, Martinez M, Zribi G, Cami-Kobeci G, Husbands SM, Toll L. PPL-138 (BU10038): A bifunctional NOP/mu partial agonist that reduces cocaine self-administration in rats. Neuropharmacology 2022; 211:109045. [PMID: 35378170 PMCID: PMC9074796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The search for new and effective treatments for cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a priority. We determined whether PPL-138 (BU10038), a compound with partial agonist activity at both nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) and mu-opioid receptors, reduces cocaine consumption, reinstatement, and whether the compound itself produces reinforcing effects in rats. Using an intermittent access (IntA) cocaine self-administration procedure, we found that PPL-138 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) effectively decreased the total number of cocaine infusions and burst-like cocaine intake in both male and female rats. Responses for food in an IntA model of food self-administration were not altered for either sex, although locomotor activity was increased in female but not male rats. Blockade of NOP receptors with the selective antagonist J-113397 (5 mg/kg) did not prevent the PPL-138-induced suppression of cocaine self-administration, whereas blockade of mu-opioid receptors by naltrexone (1 mg/kg) reversed such effect. Consistently, treatment with morphine (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced IntA cocaine self-administration measures. PPL-138 also reduced reinstatement of cocaine seeking at all doses examined. Although an initial treatment with PPL-138 (2.5, 10, and 40 μg/kg/infusion) appeared rewarding, the compound did not maintain self-administration behavior. Animals treated with PPL-138 showed initial suppression of cocaine self-administration, which was eliminated following repeated daily dosing. However, suppression of cocaine self-administration was retained when subsequent PPL-138 treatments were administered 48 h apart. These findings demonstrate that the approach of combining partial NOP/mu-opioid activation successfully reduces cocaine use, but properties of PPL-138 seem to depend on the timing of drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cippitelli
- Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States.
| | - Madeline Martinez
- Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Gilles Zribi
- Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Gerta Cami-Kobeci
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies & Science, University of Bedfordshire Luton, Luton, UK
| | | | - Lawrence Toll
- Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
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Domi A, Lunerti V, Petrella M, Domi E, Borruto AM, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors in the ventral tegmental area attenuates nicotine-motivated behaviour. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2647-2658. [PMID: 34854073 PMCID: PMC9081114 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-nociceptin opioid-like peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed in the brain and pharmacological activation of this system revealed therapeutic potential in animal models of substance use disorder. Studies also showed that genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of NOP receptors confer resistance to the development of alcohol abuse. Here, we have used a genetic and pharmacological approach to evaluate the therapeutic potential of NOP antagonism in smoking cessation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Constitutive NOP receptor knockout rats (NOP-/- ) and their wild-type counterparts (NOP+/+ ) were tested over a range of behaviours to characterize their motivation for nicotine. We next explored the effects of systemic administration of the NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (1.0 & 3.0 mg·kg-1 ) on nicotine self-administration. NOP receptor blockade was further evaluated at the brain circuitry level, by microinjecting LY2817412 (3.0 & 6.0 μg·μl-1 ) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and central amygdala (CeA). KEY RESULTS Genetic NOP receptor deletion resulted in decreased nicotine intake, decreased motivation to self-administer and attenuation of cue-induced nicotine reinstatement. LY2817412 reduced nicotine intake in NOP+/+ but not in NOP-/- rats, confirming that its effect is mediated by inhibition of NOP transmission. Finally, injection of LY2817412 into the VTA but not into the NAc or CeA decreased nicotine self-administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate that inhibition of NOP transmission attenuates the motivation for nicotine through mechanisms involving the VTA and suggest that NOP receptor antagonism may represent a potential treatment for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Veronica Lunerti
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping 58183, Sweden
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Raffaele M, Kovacovicova K, Biagini T, Lo Re O, Frohlich J, Giallongo S, Nhan JD, Giannone AG, Cabibi D, Ivanov M, Tonchev AB, Mistrik M, Lacey M, Dzubak P, Gurska S, Hajduch M, Bartek J, Mazza T, Micale V, Curran SP, Vinciguerra M. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor ( NOP) selective ligand MCOPPB links anxiolytic and senolytic effects. GeroScience 2022; 44:463-483. [PMID: 34820764 PMCID: PMC8612119 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of senescent cells may drive age-associated alterations and pathologies. Senolytics are promising therapeutics that can preferentially eliminate senescent cells. Here, we performed a high-throughput automatized screening (HTS) of the commercial LOPAC®Pfizer library on aphidicolin-induced senescent human fibroblasts, to identify novel senolytics. We discovered the nociceptin receptor FQ opioid receptor (NOP) selective ligand 1-[1-(1-methylcyclooctyl)-4-piperidinyl]-2-[(3R)-3-piperidinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (MCOPPB, a compound previously studied as potential anxiolytic) as the best scoring hit. The ability of MCOPPB to eliminate senescent cells in in vitro models was further tested in mice and in C. elegans. MCOPPB reduced the senescence cell burden in peripheral tissues but not in the central nervous system. Mice and worms exposed to MCOPPB also exhibited locomotion and lipid storage changes. Mechanistically, MCOPPB treatment activated transcriptional networks involved in the immune responses to external stressors, implicating Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Our study uncovers MCOPPB as a NOP ligand that, apart from anxiolytic effects, also shows tissue-specific senolytic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Raffaele
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Kovacovicova
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Psychogenics Inc, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Tommaso Biagini
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Oriana Lo Re
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Jan Frohlich
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - James D Nhan
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, Arts, and Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antonino Giulio Giannone
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Pathologic Anatomy Unit-University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Cabibi
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Pathologic Anatomy Unit-University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Ivanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Anton B Tonchev
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Martin Mistrik
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Matthew Lacey
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dzubak
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Gurska
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Bartek
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Genome Integrity Unit, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommaso Mazza
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sean P Curran
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, Arts, and Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.
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Caputi FF, Stopponi S, Rullo L, Palmisano M, Ubaldi M, Candeletti S, Ciccocioppo R, Romualdi P. Dysregulation of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Dynorphin Systems in the Extended Amygdala of Alcohol Preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052448. [PMID: 33671048 PMCID: PMC7957504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052448] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats consume excessive amounts of ethanol to self-medicate from negative moods and to relieve innate hypersensitivity to stress. This phenotype resembling a subset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients, appears to be linked to a dysregulation of the equilibrium between stress and antistress mechanisms in the extended amygdala. Here, comparing water and alcohol exposed msP and Wistar rats we evaluate the transcript expression of the anti-stress opioid-like peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor NOP as well as of dynorphin (DYN) and its cognate κ-opioid receptor (KOP). In addition, we measured the transcript levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor 1 (CRF1R), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor (Trk-B). Results showed an innately up-regulation of the CRFergic system, mediating negative mood and stress responses, as well as an inherent up-regulation of the anti-stress N/OFQ system, both in the amygdala (AMY) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of msP rats. The up-regulation of this latter system may reflect an attempt to buffer the negative condition elicited by the hyperactivity of pro-stress mechanisms since results showed that voluntary alcohol consumption dampened N/OFQ. Alcohol exposure also reduced the expression of dynorphin and CRF transmissions in the AMY of msP rats. In the BNST, alcohol intake led to a more complex reorganization of these systems increasing receptor transcripts in msP rats, along with an increase of CRF and a decrease of N/OFQ transcripts, respectively. Moreover, mimicking the effects of alcohol in the AMY we observed that the activation of NOP receptor by intracerebroventricular administration of N/OFQ in msP rats caused an increase of BDNF and a decrease of CRF transcripts. Our study indicates that both stress and anti-stress mechanisms are dysregulated in the extended AMY of msP rats. The voluntary alcohol drinking, as well as NOP agonism, have a significant impact on neuropeptidergic systems arrangement, bringing the systems back to normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
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9
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Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17 amino acid peptide that was deorphanized in 1995 and has been widely studied since. The role of the N/OFQ system in drug abuse has attracted researchers' attention since its initial discovery. The first two scientific papers describing the effect of intracranial injection of N/OFQ appeared 20 years ago and reported efficacy of the peptide in attenuating alcohol intake, whereas heroin self-administration was insensitive. Since then more than 100 scientific articles investigating the role of the N/OFQ and N/OFQ receptor (NOP) system in drug abuse have been published. The present article provides an historical overview of the advances in the field with focus on three major elements. First, the most robust data supportive of the efficacy of NOP agonists in treating drug abuse come from studies in the field of alcohol research, followed by psychostimulant and opioid research. In contrast, activation of NOP appears to facilitate nicotine consumption. Second, emerging data challenge the assumption that activation of NOP is the most appropriate strategy to attenuate consumption of substances of abuse. This assumption is based first on the observation that animals carrying an overexpression of NOP system components are more prone to consume substances of abuse, whereas NOP knockout rats are less motivated to self-administer heroin, alcohol, and cocaine. Third, administration of NOP antagonists also reduces alcohol consumption. In addition, NOP blockade reduces nicotine self-administration. Hypothetical mechanisms explaining this apparent paradox are discussed. Finally, we focus on the possibility that co-activation of NOP and mu opioid (MOP) receptors is an alternative strategy, readily testable in the clinic, to reduce the consumption of psychostimulants, opiates, and, possibly, alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Koji Teshima
- Research Unit/Neuroscience, Innovative Research Division, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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10
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Abstract
Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its NOP receptor are highly expressed in motor areas of the rodent, nonhuman, and human primate brain, such as primary motor cortex, thalamus, globus pallidus, striatum, and substantia nigra. Endogenous N/OFQ negatively regulates motor behavior and dopamine transmission through NOP receptors expressed by dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra compacta. Consistent with the existence of an N/OFQ tone over dopaminergic transmission, blockade of NOP receptor antagonists increases striatal dopamine release. In this chapter, we will review the evidence linking the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system to Parkinson's disease (PD). We will first discuss data showing that the central N/OFQ-NOP receptor system undergoes plastic changes in different basal ganglia nuclei following dopamine depletion. Then we will show that NOP receptor antagonists relieve motor deficits in different rodent and nonhuman primate models of PD. Mechanistically, NOP receptor blockade in substantia nigra reticulata results in rebalancing of the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic inputs impinging on nigro-thalamic GABAergic neurons, leading to thalamic disinhibition. We will also present data showing that, in addition to motor symptoms, N/OFQ also plays a role in the parkinsonian neurodegeneration. In fact, NOP receptor antagonists possess neuroprotective/neurorescue properties in in vitro and in vivo models of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Clarissa Anna Pisanò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Novello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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11
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Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed at both the peripheral and central level where it modulates important biological functions with increasing therapeutic implications. This chapter wants to provide a comprehensive and updated overview focused on the available structure-activity relationship studies on NOP receptor peptide ligands developed through different rational approaches. Punctual modifications and cyclizations of the N/OFQ sequence have been properly combined furnishing potent NOP selective ligands with different pharmacological activities (full and partial agonists, pure antagonists) and enhanced metabolic stability in vivo. The screening of peptide libraries provided a second family of NOP ligands that have been successfully optimized. Moreover, recent findings suggest the possibility to apply different multimerization strategies for the realization of multi-target NOP/opioid receptor ligands or tetrabranched N/OFQ derivatives with extraordinarily prolonged duration of action in vivo. The diverse approaches led to the identification of important pharmacological tools along with drug candidates currently in clinical development such as Rec 0438 (aka UFP-112) for the treatment of overactive bladder and SER 100 (aka ZP120) for the clinical management of systolic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Caló
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neurosciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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12
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Adem A, Madjid N, Kahl U, Holst S, Sadek B, Sandin J, Terenius L, Ögren SO. Nociceptin and the NOP receptor in aversive learning in mice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:1298-1307. [PMID: 29102248 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous neuropeptide nociceptin (N/OFQ), which mediates its actions via the nociceptin receptor (NOP), is implicated in multiple behavioural and physiological functions. This study examined the effects of the NOP agonists N/OFQ and the synthetic agonist Ro 64-6198, the antagonists NNN and NalBzoH, as well as deletion of the Pronociceptin gene on emotional memory in mice. The animals were tested in the passive avoidance (PA) task, dependent on hippocampal and amygdala functions. N/OFQ injected intraventricularly (i.c.v.) prior to training produced a biphasic effect on PA retention; facilitation at a low dose and impairment at higher doses. Ro 64-6198 also displayed a biphasic effect with memory facilitation at lower doses and impairment at a high dose. None of the agonists influenced PA training latencies. NNN did not significantly modulate retention in the PA task but antagonized the inhibitory effects of N/OFQ. NalBzoH facilitated memory retention in a dose-dependent manner and blocked the impairing effects of N/OFQ. However, neither NNN nor NalBzoH blocked the memory-impairing effects of Ro 64-6198. Finally, the Pnoc knockout mice exhibited enhanced PA retention latencies compared to the wild type mice. The biphasic effect of the natural ligand and Ro 64-6198 and the failure of the antagonists to block the action of Ro 64-6198 indicate complexity in ligand-receptor interaction. These results indicate that brain nociceptin and its NOP has a subtle role in regulation of mechanisms of relevance for treatment of disorders with processing disturbances of aversive events e.g. Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdu Adem
- Department of Neuroscience, Retzius väg 8, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Nather Madjid
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences UAE University, Al Ain, UAE; Department of Neuroscience, Retzius väg 8, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Kahl
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sarah Holst
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Neuroscience, Retzius väg 8, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Foundation, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Hälsovägen 7, S-141 57 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Terenius
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, CMM L8:01, Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Ove Ögren
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences UAE University, Al Ain, UAE.
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13
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Perrey DA, Li JX, Zhang Y. Modified synthesis of NOP receptor antagonist SB612111. SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART 2017; 49:1394-1400. [PMID: 31571700 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1588379] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
SB612111 ((5S,7S)-7-{[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}-1-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzo[7]annulen-5-ol) is a potent and selective antagonist of the nociception/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor. In the process of synthesizing cis-SB612111 to support ongoing animal studies, several key steps of the published syntheses in the patent literature proceeded in low yields in our hands, particularly with the route to the key intermediate piperidine 3, the reduction of amide 14, lactone 17 formation and the final reductive amination between 18 and 3 in the diastereoselective synthesis. We have thus explored various reaction conditions and successfully improved the yields for the necessary synthetic steps. We herein report our modified synthesis of SB612111 as the cis-diastereomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Perrey
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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14
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Abstract
Drug abuse represents a considerable burden of disease and has enormous economic impacts on societies. Over the years, few medications have been developed for clinical use. Their utilization is endowed with several limitations, including partial efficacy or significant side effects. On the other hand, the successful advancement of these compounds provides an important proof of concept for the feasibility of drug development programs in addiction. In recent years, a wealth of information has been generated on the psychological mechanisms, genetic or epigenetic predisposing factors, and neurobiological adaptations induced by drug consumption that interact with each other to contribute to disease progression. It is now clear that addiction develops through phases, from initial recreational use to excessive consumption and compulsive drug seeking, with a shift from positive to negative reinforcement driving motivated behaviors. A greater understanding of these mechanisms has opened new vistas in drug development programs. Researchers' attention has been shifted from investigation of classical targets associated with reward to biological substrates responsible for negative reinforcement, impulse loss of control, and maladaptive mechanisms resulting from protracted drug use. From this research, several new biological targets for the development of innovative therapies have started to emerge. This chapter offers an overview of targets currently under scrutiny for the development of new medications for addiction. This work is not exhaustive but rather it provides a few examples of how this research has advanced in recent years by virtue of studies carried out in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
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15
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Di Cesare Mannelli L, Micheli L, Ghelardini C. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor and pain: Feasibility of the fourth opioid family member. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 766:151-4. [PMID: 26277324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological management of chronic pain is a major therapeutic problem. The need of repeated treatments reduces the usefulness of classical analgesic drugs, like μ opioid receptor (MOP) agonists, characterized by tolerance development, side effects and abuse. Moreover, the pathological persistence of pain modifies nociceptive signals and pain-devoted structure activity weakening MOP agonists and making difficult the research of new active molecules. Nociceptine/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP) offers a peculiar opioid system able to interact with MOP receptors and made more sensitive by chronic pain conditions. The pain reliever efficacy of NOP agonists against persistent pain, mainly neuropathic pain, has been highlighted after intrathecal infusions in rats and non human primates (NHPs). The differences emerged between the effects of NOP stimulation in rodents and NHPs allow to hypothesize the relevance of NOP modulators in higher organisms strongly encouraging the development of compounds active by a systemic route. Possible applicative perspectives are (i) selective NOP agonists as such, (ii) NOP modulation as adjuvant of MOP-based treatments, or (iii) mixed non-selective agonists vs NOP and classical opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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16
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Miller RL, Thompson AA, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Malfacini D, Patel N, Han GW, Cherezov V, Caló G, Katritch V, Stevens RC. The Importance of Ligand-Receptor Conformational Pairs in Stabilization: Spotlight on the N/OFQ G Protein-Coupled Receptor. Structure 2015; 23:2291-9. [PMID: 26526853 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanism by which ligands affect receptor conformational equilibria is key in accelerating membrane protein structural biology. In the case of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), we currently pursue a brute-force approach for identifying ligands that stabilize receptors and facilitate crystallogenesis. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOP) is a member of the opioid receptor subfamily of GPCRs for which many structurally diverse ligands are available for screening. We observed that antagonist potency is correlated with a ligand's ability to induce receptor stability (Tm) and crystallogenesis. Using this screening strategy, we solved two structures of NOP in complex with top candidate ligands SB-612111 and C-35. Docking studies indicate that while potent, stabilizing antagonists strongly favor a single binding orientation, less potent ligands can adopt multiple binding modes, contributing to their low Tm values. These results suggest a mechanism for ligand-aided crystallogenesis whereby potent antagonists stabilize a single ligand-receptor conformational pair.
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17
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Zaveri NT, Journigan VB, Polgar WE. Discovery of the first small-molecule opioid pan antagonist with nanomolar affinity at mu, delta, kappa, and nociceptin opioid receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:646-57. [PMID: 25635572 PMCID: PMC4401318 DOI: 10.1021/cn500367b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The trans-(3R,4R)-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine scaffold is a known pharmacophore for mu opioid (MOP), kappa opioid (KOP), and delta opioid (DOP) receptor antagonists; however, it has not been explored in nociceptin opioid (NOP/ORL-1) receptor ligands. We recently found that the selective KOP antagonist JDTic, (3R)-7-hydroxy-N-((1S)-1-{[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl}-2-methylpropyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide, containing this opioid antagonist pharmacophore, has significant binding affinity at the NOP receptor (Ki 16.67 ± 0.76 nM), with no intrinsic activity in the [(35)S]GTPγS functional assay. Since this is the first ligand containing the trans-(3R,4R)-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine opioid antagonist pharmacophore to have affinity for the NOP receptor, we explored the structural determinants of its NOP binding affinity. When rational chemical modifications of JDTic were carried out, based on our previously established NOP pharmacophoric structure-activity relationship (SAR) model, most modifications led to a significant decrease in NOP and opioid binding affinity compared to JDTic. Interestingly, however, removal of the 3,4-dimethyl groups of the trans-(3R,4R)-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine antagonist scaffold of JDTic increased the binding affinity at NOP by 10-fold (Ki 1.75 ± 0.74 nM) while maintaining comparable affinity for KOP, MOP, and DOP receptors (Ki 1.14 ± 0.63, 1.67 ± 0.6, and 19.6 ± 1.3 nM, respectively). In vitro functional efficacy studies using the [(35)S]GTPγS assay showed that this compound AT-076 functions as an antagonist at all four opioid receptors. Detailed characterization of the antagonist activity of AT-076 shows that it has a noncompetitive antagonist profile at the NOP and KOP receptors (insurmountable antagonism), but is a potent competitive antagonist at the MOP and DOP receptors, with Ke values 3-6-fold more potent than those of JDTic. AT-076 is the first opioid pan antagonist with high affinity at all four opioid receptor subtypes. Our SAR studies show that the 3,4-dimethyl groups of the well-known trans-(3R,4R)-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine opioid antagonist scaffold may be removed without significant loss in binding affinity or antagonist potency to obtain an opioid pan antagonist such as AT-076.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurulain T. Zaveri
- Astraea
Therapeutics, 320 Logue Avenue, Suite
142, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
| | - V. Blair Journigan
- Astraea
Therapeutics, 320 Logue Avenue, Suite
142, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
| | - Willma E. Polgar
- SRI International,
Biosciences, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
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18
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Caputi FF, Di Benedetto M, Carretta D, Bastias del Carmen Candia S, D'Addario C, Cavina C, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Dynorphin/KOP and nociceptin/ NOP gene expression and epigenetic changes by cocaine in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 49:36-46. [PMID: 24184686 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine induces neurochemical changes of endogenous prodynorphin-kappa opioid receptor (pDYN-KOP) and pronociceptin/orphaninFQ-nociceptin receptor (pN/OFQ-NOP) systems. Both systems play an important role in rewarding mechanisms and addictive stimulus processing by modulating drug-induced dopaminergic activation in the mesocortico-limbic brain areas. They are also involved in regulating stress mechanisms related to addiction. The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes of gene expression of the dynorphinergic and nociceptinergic system components in the nucleus accumbens (NA) and in medial and lateral caudate putamen (mCPu and lCPu, respectively) of rats, following chronic subcutaneous infusion of cocaine. In addition, the epigenetic histone modifications H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 (an activating and a repressive marker, respectively) at the promoter level of the pDYN, KOP, pN/OFQ and NOP genes were investigated. Results showed that cocaine induced pDYN gene expression up-regulation in the NA and lCPu, and its down-regulation in the mCPu, whereas KOP mRNA levels were unchanged. Moreover, cocaine exposure decreased pN/OFQ gene expression in the NA and lCPu, while NOP mRNA levels appeared significantly increased in the NA and decreased in the lCPu. Specific changes of the H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 levels were found at pDYN, pN/OFQ, and NOP gene promoter, consistent with the observed gene expression alterations. The present findings contribute to better define the role of endogenous pDYN-KOP and pN/OFQ-NOP systems in neuroplasticity mechanisms following chronic cocaine treatment. The epigenetic histone modifications underlying the gene expression changes likely mediate the effects of cocaine on transcriptional regulation of specific gene promoters that result in long-lasting drug-induced plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Di Benedetto
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Carretta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavina
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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19
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Witkin JM, Statnick MA, Rorick-Kehn LM, Pintar JE, Ansonoff M, Chen Y, Tucker RC, Ciccocioppo R. The biology of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) related to obesity, stress, anxiety, mood, and drug dependence. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 141:283-99. [PMID: 24189487 PMCID: PMC5098338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [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: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17 amino acid peptide that was deorphanized in 1995. The generation of specific agonists, antagonists and receptor deficient mice and rats has enabled progress in elucidating the biological functions of N/OFQ. Additionally, radio-imaging technologies have been advanced for investigation of this system in animals and humans. Together with traditional neurobehavioral techniques, these tools have been utilized to identify the biological significance of the N/OFQ system and its interacting partners. The present review focuses on the role of N/OFQ in the regulation of feeding, body weight homeostasis, stress, the stress-related psychiatric disorders of depression and anxiety, and in drug and alcohol dependence. Critical evaluation of the current scientific preclinical literature suggests that small molecule modulators of nociceptin opioid peptide receptors (NOP) might be useful in the treatment of diseases related to these biological functions. In particular, the literature data suggest that antagonism of NOP receptors will produce anti-obesity and antidepressant activities in humans. However, there are also contradictory data discussed. The current literature on the role of N/OFQ in anxiety and addiction, on the other hand points primarily to a role of agonist modulation being potentially therapeutic. Some drug-like molecules that function either as agonists or antagonists of NOP receptors have been optimized for human clinical study to test some of these hypotheses. The discovery of PET ligands for NOP receptors, combined with the pharmacological tools and burgeoning preclinical data set discussed here bodes well for a rapid advancement of clinical understanding and potential therapeutic benefit.
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Key Words
- (1S,3aS)-8- (2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triaza-spiro[4.5]decan-4-one, a NOP receptor agonist
- (±)trans-1-[1-cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one, a NOP receptor antagonist
- 2-{3-[1-((1R)-acenaphthen-1-yl)piperidin-4-yl]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-benzimidazol-1-yl}-N-methylacetamide, a NOP receptor agonist
- 5-HT
- 5-hydroxytryptamine or serotonin
- 8-[bis(2-methylphenyl)-methyl]-3-phenyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol
- ACTH
- Alcohol-preferring rats
- Anxiety
- BED
- BNST
- CGRP
- CPP
- CRF
- CTA
- Calcitonin gene related peptide
- CeA
- DA
- Depression
- Drug dependence
- EPSC
- FST
- G-protein activated, inwardly rectifying K(+) channel
- G-protein-coupled receptor
- GIRK
- GPCR
- HPA
- J-113397
- JTC-801
- KO
- MDD
- Marchigian Sardinian Alcohol-Preferring
- N-(4-amino-2-methylquinolin-6-yl)-2-(4-ethylphenoxymethyl)benzamide hydrochloride, a NOP receptor antagonist
- N/OFQ
- NAcc
- NE
- NOP
- NPY
- Nociceptin opioid peptide or Nociceptin opioid peptide receptor
- Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ
- Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (F: phenylalanine, Q: glutamine, the amino acids that begin and end the peptide sequence)
- ORL
- Obesity
- P rats
- POMC
- Pro-opiomelanocortin
- Ro 64-6198
- SB-612111
- SCH 221510
- SCH 655842
- Stress
- TST
- UFP-101
- VTA
- W212393
- [(–)-cis-1-methyl-7-[[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ol, a NOP receptor antagonist
- [Nphe(1),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2), a NOP receptor antagonist
- adrenocorticotropic hormone
- bed nucleus of stria terminalis
- binge eating disorder
- central nucleus of the amygdala
- conditioned place preference
- conditioned taste aversion
- corticotrophin-releasing factor
- dopamine
- endo-8-[bis(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-phenyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3-carboxamide, a NOP receptor agonist
- excitatory post-synaptic current
- forced-swim test
- hypothalamic–pituitary axis
- knockout
- mPFC
- major depressive disorder
- medial prefrontal cortex
- msP
- neuropeptide Y
- norepinephrine
- nucleus accumbens
- opioid-receptor-like
- tail-suspension test
- ventral tegmental area
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Witkin
- Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | | | | | - John E Pintar
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Ansonoff
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Yanyun Chen
- Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - R Craig Tucker
- Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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20
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Lohith TG, Zoghbi SS, Morse CL, Araneta MDF, Barth VN, Goebl NA, Tauscher JT, Pike VW, Innis RB, Fujita M. Retest imaging of [11C] NOP-1A binding to nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors in the brain of healthy humans. Neuroimage 2014; 87:89-95. [PMID: 24225488 PMCID: PMC3928240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
[(11)C]NOP-1A is a novel high-affinity PET ligand for imaging nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors. Here, we report reproducibility and reliability measures of binding parameter estimates for [(11)C]NOP-1A binding in the brain of healthy humans. After intravenous injection of [(11)C]NOP-1A, PET scans were conducted twice on eleven healthy volunteers on the same (10/11 subjects) or different (1/11 subjects) days. Subjects underwent serial sampling of radial arterial blood to measure parent radioligand concentrations. Distribution volume (VT; a measure of receptor density) was determined by compartmental (one- and two-tissue) modeling in large regions and by simpler regression methods (graphical Logan and bilinear MA1) in both large regions and voxel data. Retest variability and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of VT were determined as measures of reproducibility and reliability respectively. Regional [(11)C]NOP-1A uptake in the brain was high, with a peak radioactivity concentration of 4-7 SUV (standardized uptake value) and a rank order of putamen>cingulate cortex>cerebellum. Brain time-activity curves fitted well in 10 of 11 subjects by unconstrained two-tissue compartmental model. The retest variability of VT was moderately good across brain regions except cerebellum, and was similar across different modeling methods, averaging 12% for large regions and 14% for voxel-based methods. The retest reliability of VT was also moderately good in most brain regions, except thalamus and cerebellum, and was similar across different modeling methods averaging 0.46 for large regions and 0.48 for voxels having gray matter probability >20%. The lowest retest variability and highest retest reliability of VT were achieved by compartmental modeling for large regions, and by the parametric Logan method for voxel-based methods. Moderately good reproducibility and reliability measures of VT for [(11)C]NOP-1A make it a useful PET ligand for comparing NOP receptor binding between different subject groups or under different conditions in the same subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talakad G Lohith
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Sami S Zoghbi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl L Morse
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria D Ferraris Araneta
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Victor W Pike
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert B Innis
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Masahiro Fujita
- Molecular Imaging Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Gear RW, Bogen O, Ferrari LF, Green PG, Levine JD. NOP receptor mediates anti-analgesia induced by agonist-antagonist opioids. Neuroscience 2014; 257:139-48. [PMID: 24188792 PMCID: PMC3947912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that agonist-antagonist opioid analgesics that produce their analgesic effect via action on the kappa-opioid receptor, produce a delayed-onset anti-analgesia in men but not women, an effect blocked by co-administration of a low dose of naloxone. We now report the same time-dependent anti-analgesia and its underlying mechanism in an animal model. Using the Randall-Selitto paw-withdrawal assay in male rats, we found that nalbuphine, pentazocine, and butorphanol each produced analgesia during the first hour followed by anti-analgesia starting at ∼90min after administration in males but not females, closely mimicking its clinical effects. As observed in humans, co-administration of nalbuphine with naloxone in a dose ratio of 12.5:1 blocked anti-analgesia but not analgesia. Administration of the highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593 produced analgesia without subsequent anti-analgesia, and confirmed by the failure of the selective kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine to block nalbuphine-induced anti-analgesia, indicating that anti-analgesia is not mediated by kappa-opioid receptors. We therefore tested the role of other receptors in nalbuphine anti-analgesia. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) and sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors were chosen on the basis of their known anti-analgesic effects and receptor binding studies. The selective NOP receptor antagonists, JTC801, and J-113397, but not the sigma receptor antagonist, BD 1047, antagonized nalbuphine anti-analgesia. Furthermore, the NOP receptor agonist NNC 63-0532 produced anti-analgesia with the same delay in onset observed with the three agonist-antagonists, but without producing preceding analgesia and this anti-analgesia was also blocked by naloxone. These results strongly support the suggestion that clinically used agonist-antagonists act at the NOP receptor to produce anti-analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Gear
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - O Bogen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - L F Ferrari
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - P G Green
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - J D Levine
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States; Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0120, United States.
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