Cell surface targeting of mu-delta opioid receptor heterodimers by RTP4

Increased abundance of opioid receptor heteromers after chronic morphine administration

The mu and delta types of opioid receptors form heteromers that exhibit pharmacological and functional properties distinct from those of homomeric receptors. To characterize these complexes in the brain, we generated antibodies that selectively recognize the mu-delta heteromer and blocked its in vitro signaling. With these antibodies, we showed that chronic, but not acute, morphine treatment caused an increase in the abundance of mu-delta heteromers in key areas of the central nervous system that are implicated in pain processing. Because of its distinct signaling properties, the mu-delta heteromer could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of chronic pain and addiction.

Two intracellular helices of G-protein coupling receptors could generally support oligomerization and coupling with transducers

For many G-protein coupling receptors (GPCRs), the upkeep of receptor dimers could depend on association with functional Gi α subunits. This is known for Y1, Y2 and Y4 neuropeptide Y receptors [presented in the companion paper (Estes et al., Amino Acids, doi: 10.1007/s00726-010-0642-z , 2010)]. Interactions with transducers use mainly intracellular domains of the receptors. Intracellular loops 1 and 2 in GPCRs are short and lack extensive helicity that could support transducer anchoring. Interaction with G-proteins is known to use the juxtamembrane Helix 8 in the fourth intracellular domain, for which we document a helix-stabilizing n/(n + 4) pattern of large hydrophobic sidechains. Another intracellular helix located in the C-terminal portion of the third intracellular loop does not display a strong stabilizing pattern, and is found in many studies to serve dynamically in association and activation of transducers and effectors. We show that these tracts share features across metazoan phyla not only in opsins and opsin-like receptors (including the Y receptors), but also in Taste-2 and Frizzled receptors. Similarities of these helices across GPCR groups could have both phylogenetic and functional roots.

Delta and kappa opioid receptors as suitable drug targets for pain

Similar to mu opioid receptors, kappa and delta opioid receptors reside in the periphery, the dorsal root ganglion, the spinal cord, and in supraspinal regions associated with pain modulation. Both delta and kappa opioid agonists have been shown to activate pain inhibitory pathways in the central nervous system. Yet, currently there are only a few pharmacologic agents that target kappa receptors, and none that target delta receptors. Spurred by the need for an efficacious analgesic without the unwanted side effects associated with the typical clinical profile of mu opioid agonists, new research has provided insight into why the development of effective kappa and delta opioid receptor agonists has remained elusive thus far, and importantly, how these obstacles may be overcome. For example, for delta opioid agonists to be effective, a state of inflammation may be required as this induces delta opioid receptors to migrate to the surface of neuronal cells and thereby become accessible to delta opioid agonists. Studies have shown that delta opioid agonists can provide relief of inflammatory pain and malignant bone pain. Meanwhile, peripherally restricted kappa opioid agonists have been developed to target kappa opioid receptors located on visceral and somatic afferent nerves for relief of inflammatory, visceral, and neuropathic chronic pain. The recently shown efficacy of these analgesics combined with a possible lower abuse potential and side effect burden than mu opioid receptor agonists makes delta and peripherally restricted kappa opioid receptor agonists promising targets for treating pain.

Receptor heteromerization and drug discovery

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that convert extracellular information into intracellular signals. They are involved in many biological processes and therefore represent powerful targets to modulate physiological and pathological states. Recent studies have demonstrated that GPCR activity is regulated by several mechanisms. Among these, protein-protein interactions (and in particular interactions with other receptors leading to heteromerization) has been shown to have an important role in modulating GPCR function. This has expanded their repertoire of signaling and added a new level of regulation to their physiological roles. Emerging studies provide evidence for tissue-specific and disease-specific receptor heteromerization. This suggests that heteromers represent novel drug targets for the identification of selective compounds with potentially fewer side-effects.

G protein-coupled receptor heteromers as new targets for drug development

We now have a significant amount of experimental evidence that indicates that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomerization, including homo- and heteromerization, is a general phenomenon. Receptor heteromers possess unique biochemical characteristics that are demonstrably different from those of its individual units. These properties include allosteric modulation(s) between units, changes in ligand recognition, G protein-coupling and trafficking. The discovery of GPCR oligomers have been related to the parallel discovery and application of a variety of resonance energy transfer (RET) techniques, such as bioluminescence, fluorescence and sequential RET (BRET, FRET and SRET, respectively), time-resolved FRET (T-FRET) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) microscopy. However, RET techniques are difficult to implement in native tissues. For receptor heteromers, indirect approaches, such as the determination of a unique biochemical characteristic ("biochemical fingerprint"), permit their identification in native tissues and their use as targets for drug development. Dopamine and opioid receptor heteromers are the focus of intense research which is related to the possible multiple applications of their putative ligands in pathological conditions, which include basal ganglia disorders, schizophrenia and drug addiction.

Escorts take the lead molecular chaperones as therapeutic targets

The functional and physiological diversity of transmembrane receptors results from factors that influence the pharmacology, signaling, and trafficking of these receptors. Receptor mutations and other modifications may lead to misfolding, intracellular retention, and ineffective signaling of transmembrane receptors. The importance of such mutations is highlighted by the fact that various diseases have been linked to mutations that lead to ineffective signaling of these receptors, resulting from the retention of receptors in intracellular compartments. Studies focused on understanding the regulation of trafficking and cell surface expression of newly synthesized receptors have highlighted molecular chaperones as key regulators of receptor maturation and sorting. In this chapter, we discuss the functions of molecular chaperones in the regulation of seven-transmembrane-containing G-protein-coupled receptor function and trafficking and explore ways in which chaperones can serve as novel therapeutic targets.

Fine-tuning of GPCR activity by receptor-interacting proteins

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate physiological responses to various ligands, such as hormones, neurotransmitters and sensory stimuli. The signalling and trafficking properties of GPCRs are often highly malleable depending on the cellular context. Such fine-tuning of GPCR function can be attributed in many cases to receptor-interacting proteins that are differentially expressed in distinct cell types. In some cases these GPCR-interacting partners directly mediate receptor signalling, whereas in other cases they act mainly as scaffolds to modulate G protein-mediated signalling. Furthermore, GPCR-interacting proteins can have a big impact on the regulation of GPCR trafficking, localization and/or pharmacological properties.

Whole-genome linkage and association scan in primary, nonsyndromic vesicoureteric reflux

Primary vesicoureteric reflux accounts for approximately 10% of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation, and sibling studies suggest a large genetic component. Here, we report a whole-genome linkage and association scan in primary, nonsyndromic vesicoureteric reflux and reflux nephropathy. We used linkage and family-based association approaches to analyze 320 white families (661 affected individuals, generally from families with two affected siblings) from two populations (United Kingdom and Slovenian). We found modest evidence of linkage but no clear overlap with previous studies. We tested for but did not detect association with six candidate genes (AGTR2, HNF1B, PAX2, RET, ROBO2, and UPK3A). Family-based analysis detected associations with one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the UK families, with three SNPs in the Slovenian families, and with three SNPs in the combined families. A case-control analysis detected associations with three additional SNPs. The results of this study, which is the largest to date investigating the genetics of reflux, suggest that major loci may not exist for this common renal tract malformation within European populations.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2008

This paper is the 31st consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2008 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).

Opioid-receptor-heteromer-specific trafficking and pharmacology

Homomerization and heteromerization of 7 transmembrane spanning (7TM)/G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been an important field of study. Whereas initial studies were performed in artificial cell systems, recent publications are shifting the focus to the in vivo relevance of heteromerization. This is especially apparent for the field of opioid receptors. Drugs have been identified that selectively target opioid heteromers of the delta-opioid receptor with the kappa and the mu-opioid receptors that influence nociception and ethanol consumption, respectively. In addition, in several cases, the specific physiological response produced by the heteromer may be directly attributed to a difference in receptor trafficking properties of the heteromers compared with their homomeric counterparts. This review attempts to highlight some of the latest developments with regard to opioid receptor heteromer trafficking and pharmacology.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the heterodimeric mGluR2/5HT(2A) complex. An atomistic resolution study of a potential new target in psychiatric conditions

Homo- and heterodimerization is becoming an assessed concept in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, and the notion that GPCRs may dimerize or oligomerize is allowing for a reinterpretation of some inconsistencies or anomalies and is providing medicinal chemists with potentially relevant novel molecular targets for a variety of therapeutic conditions. Recently, it has been reported that two unrelated GPCRs, namely class C metabotropic glutamate receptor type-2 (mGluR2) and class A 5HT(2A) serotoninergic receptor, can heterodimerize at the transmembrane domain level. We performed a 40 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the mGluR2/5HT(2A) heterocomplex constructed around a TM4/TM5 interface and embedded in an explicit phospholipidic bilayer surrounded by water molecules. In a separate experiment, the monomeric 5HT(2A) receptor was simulated for additional 40 ns under the same conditions. The analysis and the comparison of the two simulations allowed us to clearly identify a cross-talk between the two protomers and to put forward an effect of the heterodimerization on the shape of the binding pocket of 5HT(2A). This result provides the first molecular explanation for the reported allosteric effect of mGluR2 on 5HT(2A)-mediated response and suggests that the heterocomplex can be a more suitable target for in silico screening than the monomeric protomers.

Enhancement of the surface expression of G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate physiological responses to a diverse array of stimuli and are the molecular targets for numerous therapeutic drugs. GPCRs primarily signal from the plasma membrane, but when expressed in heterologous cells many GPCRs exhibit poor trafficking to the cell surface. Multiple approaches have been taken to enhance GPCR surface expression in heterologous cells, including addition/deletion of receptor sequences, co-expression with interacting proteins, and treatment with pharmacological chaperones. In addition to providing enhanced surface expression of certain GPCRs in heterologous cells, these approaches have also shed light on the control of GPCR trafficking in vivo and in some cases have led to new therapeutic approaches for treating human diseases that result from defects in GPCR trafficking.

Opposite effects of the melanocortin-2 (MC2) receptor accessory protein MRAP on MC2 and MC5 receptor dimerization and trafficking

MC2 (ACTH) receptors require MC2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) to reach the cell surface. In this study, we show that MRAP has the opposite effect on the closely related MC5 receptor. In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microscopy experiments, MC2 receptor was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum in the absence of MRAP and targeted to the plasma membrane with MRAP. MC5 receptor was at the plasma membrane in the absence of MRAP, but trapped intracellularly when expressed with MRAP. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation, where one fragment of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) was fused to receptors and another to MRAP, we showed that MC2 receptor-MRAP dimers were present at the plasma membrane, whereas MC5 receptor-MRAP dimers were intracellular. Both MC2 and MC5 receptors co-precipitated with MRAP. MRAP did not alter expression of beta2-adrenergic receptors or co-precipitate with them. To determine if MRAP affects formation of receptor oligomers, we co-expressed MC2 receptors fused to YFP fragments in the presence or absence of MRAP. YFP fluorescence, reporting MC2 receptor homodimers, was readily detectable with or without MRAP. In contrast, MC5 receptor homodimers were visible in the absence of MRAP, but little fluorescence was observed by microscopic analysis when MRAP was co-expressed. Co-precipitation of differentially tagged receptors confirmed that MRAP blocks MC5 receptor dimerization. The regions of MRAP required for its effects on MC2 and MC5 receptors differed. These results establish that MRAP forms stable complexes with two different melanocortin receptors, facilitating surface expression of MC2 receptor but disrupting dimerization and surface localization of MC5 receptor.

Delta receptors are required for full inhibitory coupling of mu-receptors to voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons

Recombinant micro and delta opioid receptors expressed in cell lines can form heterodimers with distinctive properties and trafficking. However, a role for opioid receptor heterodimerization in neurons has yet to be identified. The inhibitory coupling of opioid receptors to voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) is a relatively inefficient process and therefore provides a sensitive assay of altered opioid receptor function and expression. We examined micro-receptor coupling to VDCCs in dorsal root ganglion neurons of delta(+/+), delta(+/-), and delta(-/-) mice. Neurons deficient in delta receptors exhibited reduced inhibition of VDCCs by morphine and [D-Ala(2),Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO). An absence of delta receptors caused reduced efficacy of DAMGO without affecting potency. An absence of delta receptors reduced neither the density of VDCCs nor their inhibition by either the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen or intracellular guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate. Flow cytometry revealed a reduction in micro-receptor surface expression in delta(-/-) neurons without altered DAMGO-induced internalization. There was no change in micro-receptor mRNA levels. D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2)-sensitive mu-receptor-coupling efficacy was fully restored to delta(+/+) levels in delta(-/-) neurons by expression of recombinant delta receptors. However, the dimerization-deficient delta-15 construct expressed in delta(-/-) neurons failed to fully restore the inhibitory coupling of micro-receptors compared with that seen in delta(+/+) neurons, suggesting that, although not essential for micro-receptor function, micro-delta receptor dimerization contributes to full micro-agonist efficacy. Because DAMGO exhibited a similar potency in delta(+/+) and delta(-/-) neurons and caused similar levels of internalization, the role for heterodimerization is probably at the level of receptor biosynthesis.