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Kosar M, Mach L, Carreira EM, Nazaré M, Pacher P, Grether U. Patent review of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB 2R) modulators (2016-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:665-700. [PMID: 38886185 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2368745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R), predominantly expressed in immune tissues, is believed to play a crucial role within the body's protective mechanisms. Its modulation holds immense therapeutic promise for addressing a wide spectrum of dysbiotic conditions, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, bone, skin, and autoimmune diseases, as well as lung disorders, cancer, and pain management. AREAS COVERED This review is an account of patents from 2016 up to 2023 which describes novel CB2R ligands, therapeutic applications, synthesis, as well as formulations of CB2R modulators. EXPERT OPINION The patents cover a vast, structurally diverse chemical space. The focus of CB2R ligand development has shifted from unselective dual-cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and 2 agonists toward agonists with high selectivity over CB1R, particularly for indications associated with inflammation and tissue injury. Currently, there are at least eight CB2R agonists and one antagonist in active clinical development. A better understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and in particular of CB2R pharmacology is required to unlock the receptor's full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Kosar
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Leonard Mach
- Medicinal Chemistry, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Nazaré
- Medicinal Chemistry, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pal Pacher
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Carruthers ER, Grimsey NL. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptor orthologues; in vitro function and perspectives for preclinical to clinical translation. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2247-2269. [PMID: 37349984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonists are in development as therapeutic agents, including for immune modulation and pain relief. Despite promising results in rodent preclinical studies, efficacy in human clinical trials has been marginal to date. Fundamental differences in ligand engagement and signalling responses between the human CB2 receptor and preclinical model species orthologues may contribute to mismatches in functional outcomes. This is a tangible possibility for the CB2 receptor in that there is a relatively large degree of primary amino acid sequence divergence between human and rodent. Here, we summarise CB2 receptor gene and protein structure, assess comparative molecular pharmacology between CB2 receptor orthologues, and review the current status of preclinical to clinical translation for drugs targeted at the CB2 receptor, focusing on comparisons between human, mouse and rat receptors. We hope that raising wider awareness of, and proposing strategies to address, this additional challenge in drug development will assist in ongoing efforts toward successful therapeutic translation of drugs targeted at the CB2 receptor. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Carruthers
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha L Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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Kosar M, Sarott RC, Sykes DA, Viray AEG, Vitale RM, Tomašević N, Li X, Ganzoni RLZ, Kicin B, Reichert L, Patej KJ, Gómez-Bouzó U, Guba W, McCormick PJ, Hua T, Gruber CW, Veprintsev DB, Frank JA, Grether U, Carreira EM. Flipping the GPCR Switch: Structure-Based Development of Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Inverse Agonists. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:956-968. [PMID: 38799662 PMCID: PMC11117691 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
We report a blueprint for the rational design of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands with a tailored functional response. The present study discloses the structure-based design of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) selective inverse agonists (S)-1 and (R)-1, which were derived from privileged agonist HU-308 by introduction of a phenyl group at the gem-dimethylheptyl side chain. Epimer (R)-1 exhibits high affinity for CB2R with Kd = 39.1 nM and serves as a platform for the synthesis of a wide variety of probes. Notably, for the first time these fluorescent probes retain their inverse agonist functionality, high affinity, and selectivity for CB2R independent of linker and fluorophore substitution. Ligands (S)-1, (R)-1, and their derivatives act as inverse agonists in CB2R-mediated cAMP as well as G protein recruitment assays and do not trigger β-arrestin-receptor association. Furthermore, no receptor activation was detected in live cell ERK1/2 phosphorylation and Ca2+-release assays. Confocal fluorescence imaging experiments with (R)-7 (Alexa488) and (R)-9 (Alexa647) probes employing BV-2 microglial cells visualized CB2R expressed at endogenous levels. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations corroborate the initial docking data in which inverse agonists restrict movement of toggle switch Trp2586.48 and thereby stabilize CB2R in its inactive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Kosar
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roman C. Sarott
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David A. Sykes
- Faculty
of Medicine & Health Sciences, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.
- Centre
of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham
and University of Nottingham, https://www.birmingham-nottingham.ac.uk/compare
| | - Alexander E. G. Viray
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute
of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research
Council, Via Campi Flegrei
34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse
17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xiaoting Li
- iHuman
Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Rudolf L. Z. Ganzoni
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bilal Kicin
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Reichert
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kacper J. Patej
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Uxía Gómez-Bouzó
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche
Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel,
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter J. McCormick
- Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University
of Liverpool, Ashton
Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, U.K.
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman
Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for
Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University
of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse
17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dmitry B. Veprintsev
- Faculty
of Medicine & Health Sciences, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.
- Centre
of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham
and University of Nottingham, https://www.birmingham-nottingham.ac.uk/compare
| | - James A. Frank
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
- Vollum
Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche
Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel,
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Laboratorium
für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische
Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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5
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Wu YR, Tang JQ, Zhang WN, Zhuang CL, Shi Y. Rational drug design of CB2 receptor ligands: from 2012 to 2021. RSC Adv 2022; 12:35242-35259. [PMID: 36540233 PMCID: PMC9730932 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra05661e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors belong to the large family of G-protein-coupled receptors, which can be divided into two receptor types, cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2). Marinol, Cesamet and Sativex are marketed CB1 drugs which are still in use and work well, but the central nervous system side effects caused by activation CB1, which limited the development of CB1 ligands. So far, no selective CB2 ligand has been approved for marketing, but lots of its ligands in the clinical stage and pre-clinical stage have positive effects on the treatment of some disease models and have great potential for development. Most selective CB2 agonists are designed and synthesized based on non-selective CB2 agonists through the classical med-chem strategies, e.g. molecular hybridization, scaffold hopping, bioisosterism, etc. During these processes, the balance between selectivity, activity, and pharmacokinetic properties needs to be achieved. Hence, we summarized some reported ligands on the basis of the optimization strategies in recent 10 years, and the limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ran Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University 1160 Shengli Street Yinchuan 750004 China
| | - Jia-Qin Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University 1160 Shengli Street Yinchuan 750004 China
| | - Wan-Nian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University 1160 Shengli Street Yinchuan 750004 China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University 325 Guohe Road Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Chun-Lin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University 1160 Shengli Street Yinchuan 750004 China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University 325 Guohe Road Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Ying Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University 1160 Shengli Street Yinchuan 750004 China
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6
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Rodríguez-Soacha DA, Steinmüller SAM, Işbilir A, Fender J, Deventer MH, Ramírez YA, Tutov A, Sotriffer C, Stove CP, Lorenz K, Lohse MJ, Hislop JN, Decker M. Development of an Indole-Amide-Based Photoswitchable Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 1 (CB 1R) "Cis-On" Agonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2410-2435. [PMID: 35881914 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB1R) with high spatiotemporal control is useful to study processes involved in different pathologies related to nociception, metabolic alterations, and neurological disorders. To synthesize new agonist ligands for hCB1R, we have designed different classes of photoswitchable molecules based on an indole core. The modifications made to the central core have allowed us to understand the molecular characteristics necessary to design an agonist with optimal pharmacological properties. Compound 27a shows high affinity for CB1R (Ki (cis-form) = 0.18 μM), with a marked difference in affinity with respect to its inactive "trans-off" form (CB1R Ki trans/cis ratio = 5.4). The novel compounds were evaluated by radioligand binding studies, receptor internalization, sensor receptor activation (GRABeCB2.0), Western blots for analysis of ERK1/2 activation, NanoBiT βarr2 recruitment, and calcium mobilization assays, respectively. The data show that the novel agonist 27a is a candidate for studying the optical modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), serving as a new molecular tool for investigating the involvement of hCB1R in disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Rodríguez-Soacha
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie A M Steinmüller
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ali Işbilir
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Receptor Signaling Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marie H Deventer
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yesid A Ramírez
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Icesi, Valle del Cauca, 760031 Cali, Colombia
| | - Anna Tutov
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften─ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Martin J Lohse
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany.,Receptor Signaling Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany.,ISAR Bioscience Institut, 82152 Planegg/Munich, Germany
| | - James N Hislop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Liddle I, Glass M, Tyndall JDA, Vernall AJ. Covalent cannabinoid receptor ligands - structural insight and selectivity challenges. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:497-510. [PMID: 35694688 PMCID: PMC9132230 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00006g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray crystallography and cryogenic electronic microscopy have provided significant advancement in the knowledge of GPCR structure and have allowed the rational design of GPCR ligands. The class A GPCRs cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 are implicated in many pathophysiological processes and thus rational design of drug and tool compounds is of great interest. Recent structural insight into cannabinoid receptors has already led to a greater understanding of ligand binding sites and receptor residues that likely contribute to ligand selectivity. Herein, classes of heterocyclic covalent cannabinoid receptor ligands are reviewed in light of the recent advances in structural knowledge of cannabinoid receptors, with particular discussion regarding covalent ligand selectivity and rationale design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Liddle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand +64 3 479 5214
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Andrea J Vernall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand +64 3 479 5214
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8
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Gazzi T, Brennecke B, Atz K, Korn C, Sykes D, Forn-Cuni G, Pfaff P, Sarott RC, Westphal MV, Mostinski Y, Mach L, Wasinska-Kalwa M, Weise M, Hoare BL, Miljuš T, Mexi M, Roth N, Koers EJ, Guba W, Alker A, Rufer AC, Kusznir EA, Huber S, Raposo C, Zirwes EA, Osterwald A, Pavlovic A, Moes S, Beck J, Nettekoven M, Benito-Cuesta I, Grande T, Drawnel F, Widmer G, Holzer D, van der Wel T, Mandhair H, Honer M, Fingerle J, Scheffel J, Broichhagen J, Gawrisch K, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Varga ZV, van der Stelt M, Pacher P, Gertsch J, Ullmer C, McCormick PJ, Oddi S, Spaink HP, Maccarrone M, Veprintsev DB, Carreira EM, Grether U, Nazaré M. Detection of cannabinoid receptor type 2 in native cells and zebrafish with a highly potent, cell-permeable fluorescent probe. Chem Sci 2022; 13:5539-5545. [PMID: 35694350 PMCID: PMC9116301 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06659e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its essential role in the (patho)physiology of several diseases, CB2R tissue expression profiles and signaling mechanisms are not yet fully understood. We report the development of a highly potent, fluorescent CB2R agonist probe employing structure-based reverse design. It commences with a highly potent, preclinically validated ligand, which is conjugated to a silicon-rhodamine fluorophore, enabling cell permeability. The probe is the first to preserve interspecies affinity and selectivity for both mouse and human CB2R. Extensive cross-validation (FACS, TR-FRET and confocal microscopy) set the stage for CB2R detection in endogenously expressing living cells along with zebrafish larvae. Together, these findings will benefit clinical translatability of CB2R based drugs. Detection and visualization of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 by a cell-permeable high affinity fluorescent probe platform enables tracing receptor trafficking in live cells and in zebrafish.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Gazzi
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Benjamin Brennecke
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Kenneth Atz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Claudia Korn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - David Sykes
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH England UK.,United Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands England UK
| | | | - Patrick Pfaff
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Roman C Sarott
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Matthias V Westphal
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Yelena Mostinski
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Leonard Mach
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Malgorzata Wasinska-Kalwa
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Marie Weise
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Bradley L Hoare
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH England UK.,United Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands England UK
| | - Tamara Miljuš
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH England UK.,United Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands England UK
| | - Maira Mexi
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH England UK.,United Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands England UK
| | - Nicolas Roth
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London London EC1M 6BQ England UK
| | - Eline J Koers
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH England UK.,United Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands England UK
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - André Alker
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Arne C Rufer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Eric A Kusznir
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Sylwia Huber
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Catarina Raposo
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth A Zirwes
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Anja Osterwald
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Anto Pavlovic
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Svenja Moes
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Beck
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Matthias Nettekoven
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Irene Benito-Cuesta
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria Pozuelo de Alarcón 28223 Madrid Spain
| | - Teresa Grande
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria Pozuelo de Alarcón 28223 Madrid Spain
| | - Faye Drawnel
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Widmer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Daniela Holzer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Tom van der Wel
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University 2333 CC Leiden the Netherlands
| | - Harpreet Mandhair
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Michael Honer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Fingerle
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheffel
- Dermatological Allergology, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany.,Allergology, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP Berlin Germany
| | - Johannes Broichhagen
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Klaus Gawrisch
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health Rockville MD 20852 USA
| | - Julián Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria Pozuelo de Alarcón 28223 Madrid Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee WI 53226 USA
| | - Zoltan V Varga
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health Rockville MD 20852 USA.,HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University 1085 Budapest Hungary
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University 2333 CC Leiden the Netherlands
| | - Pal Pacher
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health Rockville MD 20852 USA
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Peter J McCormick
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London London EC1M 6BQ England UK
| | - Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo 64100 Teramo European Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation 00179 Rome Italy
| | - Herman P Spaink
- Leiden University Einsteinweg 55 2333 CC Leiden the Netherlands
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation 00179 Rome Italy.,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Dmitry B Veprintsev
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2UH England UK.,United Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands England UK
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Marc Nazaré
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) Campus Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin Germany
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9
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Optical control of Class A G protein-coupled receptors with photoswitchable ligands. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 63:102192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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10
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Levine A, Liktor-Busa E, Lipinski AA, Couture S, Balasubramanian S, Aicher SA, Langlais PR, Vanderah TW, Largent-Milnes TM. Sex differences in the expression of the endocannabinoid system within V1M cortex and PAG of Sprague Dawley rats. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:60. [PMID: 34749819 PMCID: PMC8577021 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several chronic pain disorders, such as migraine and fibromyalgia, have an increased prevalence in the female population. The underlying mechanisms of this sex-biased prevalence have yet to be thoroughly documented, but could be related to endogenous differences in neuromodulators in pain networks, including the endocannabinoid system. The cellular endocannabinoid system comprises the endogenous lipid signals 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and AEA (anandamide); the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them; and the cannabinoid receptors. The relative prevalence of different components of the endocannabinoid system in specific brain regions may alter responses to endogenous and exogenous ligands. METHODS Brain tissue from naïve male and estrous staged female Sprague Dawley rats was harvested from V1M cortex, periaqueductal gray, trigeminal nerve, and trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Tissue was analyzed for relative levels of endocannabinoid enzymes, ligands, and receptors via mass spectrometry, unlabeled quantitative proteomic analysis, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in 2-AG and AEA concentrations between males and females, as well as between female estrous cycle stages. Specifically, 2-AG concentration was lower within female PAG as compared to male PAG (*p = 0.0077); female 2-AG concentration within the PAG did not demonstrate estrous stage dependence. Immunohistochemistry followed by proteomics confirmed the prevalence of 2-AG-endocannabinoid system enzymes in the female PAG. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that sex differences exist in the endocannabinoid system in two CNS regions relevant to cortical spreading depression (V1M cortex) and descending modulatory networks in pain/anxiety (PAG). These basal differences in endogenous endocannabinoid mechanisms may facilitate the development of chronic pain conditions and may also underlie sex differences in response to therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Levine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Austin A Lipinski
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Sarah Couture
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Shreya Balasubramanian
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Sue A Aicher
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Paul R Langlais
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Tally M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Life Sciences North Rm 621, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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11
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Rodríguez-Soacha DA, Fender J, Ramírez YA, Collado JA, Muñoz E, Maitra R, Sotriffer C, Lorenz K, Decker M. "Photo-Rimonabant": Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Photoswitchable Molecules Derived from Rimonabant Lead to a Highly Selective and Nanomolar " Cis-On" CB 1R Antagonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1632-1647. [PMID: 33856764 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cannabinoid receptor type 1 (hCB1R) plays important roles in the regulation of appetite and development of addictive behaviors. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, photocharacterization, molecular docking, and in vitro characterization of "photo-rimonabant", i.e., azo-derivatives of the selective hCB1R antagonist SR1411716A (rimonabant). By applying azo-extension strategies, we yielded compound 16a, which shows marked affinity for CB1R (Ki (cis form) = 29 nM), whose potency increases by illumination with ultraviolet light (CB1R Kitrans/cis ratio = 15.3). Through radioligand binding, calcium mobilization, and cell luminescence assays, we established that 16a is highly selective for hCB1R over hCB2R. These selective antagonists can be valuable molecular tools for optical modulation of CBRs and better understanding of disorders associated with the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Rodríguez-Soacha
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yesid A. Ramírez
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Departmento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Icesi, 760031 Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Juan Antonio Collado
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avda Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avda Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Discovery Science and Technology, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194, United States
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften—ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Sarott RC, Viray AEG, Pfaff P, Sadybekov A, Rajic G, Katritch V, Carreira EM, Frank JA. Optical Control of Cannabinoid Receptor 2-Mediated Ca2+ Release Enabled by Synthesis of Photoswitchable Probes. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:736-743. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c08926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roman C. Sarott
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E. G. Viray
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Patrick Pfaff
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasiia Sadybekov
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Gabriela Rajic
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology and Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - James A. Frank
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
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13
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Hamilton AJ, Payne AD, Mocerino M, Gunosewoyo H. Imaging Cannabinoid Receptors: A Brief Collection of Covalent and Fluorescent Probes for CB1 and CB2 Receptors. Aust J Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ch21007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been an expanding public interest towards the notion that modulation of the sophisticated endocannabinoid system can lead to various therapeutic benefits that are yet to be fully explored. In recent years, the drug discovery paradigm in this field has been largely based on the development of selective CB2 receptor agonists, avoiding the unwanted CB1 receptor-mediated psychoactive side effects. Mechanistically, target engagement studies are crucial for confirming the ligand–receptor interaction and the subsequent biological cascades that lead to the observed therapeutic effects. Concurrently, imaging techniques for visualisation of cannabinoid receptors are increasingly reported in the literature. Small molecule imaging tools ranging from phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to the endocannabinoids as well as the purely synthetic cannabimimetics, have been explored to date with varying degrees of success. This Review will cover currently known photoactivatable, electrophilic, and fluorescent ligands for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Structural insights from techniques such as ligand-assisted protein structure (LAPS) and the discovery of novel allosteric modulators are significant additions for better understanding of the endocannabinoid system. There has also been a plethora of fluorescent conjugates that have been assessed for their binding to cannabinoid receptors as well as their potential for cellular imaging. More recently, bifunctional probes containing either fluorophores or electrophilic tags are becoming more prevalent in the literature. Collectively, these molecular tools are invaluable in demonstrating target engagement within the human endocannabinoid system.
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14
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Sarott RC, Westphal MV, Pfaff P, Korn C, Sykes DA, Gazzi T, Brennecke B, Atz K, Weise M, Mostinski Y, Hompluem P, Koers E, Miljuš T, Roth NJ, Asmelash H, Vong MC, Piovesan J, Guba W, Rufer AC, Kusznir EA, Huber S, Raposo C, Zirwes EA, Osterwald A, Pavlovic A, Moes S, Beck J, Benito-Cuesta I, Grande T, Ruiz de Martı N Esteban S, Yeliseev A, Drawnel F, Widmer G, Holzer D, van der Wel T, Mandhair H, Yuan CY, Drobyski WR, Saroz Y, Grimsey N, Honer M, Fingerle J, Gawrisch K, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Varga ZV, van der Stelt M, Pacher P, Gertsch J, McCormick PJ, Ullmer C, Oddi S, Maccarrone M, Veprintsev DB, Nazaré M, Grether U, Carreira EM. Development of High-Specificity Fluorescent Probes to Enable Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Studies in Living Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:16953-16964. [PMID: 32902974 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c05587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) holds promise for the treatment of numerous conditions, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, pain, and cancer. Despite the significance of this receptor, researchers lack reliable tools to address questions concerning the expression and complex mechanism of CB2R signaling, especially in cell-type and tissue-dependent contexts. Herein, we report for the first time a versatile ligand platform for the modular design of a collection of highly specific CB2R fluorescent probes, used successfully across applications, species, and cell types. These include flow cytometry of endogenously expressing cells, real-time confocal microscopy of mouse splenocytes and human macrophages, as well as FRET-based kinetic and equilibrium binding assays. High CB2R specificity was demonstrated by competition experiments in living cells expressing CB2R at native levels. The probes were effectively applied to FACS analysis of microglial cells derived from a mouse model relevant to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman C Sarott
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias V Westphal
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Pfaff
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Korn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - David A Sykes
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Thais Gazzi
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Brennecke
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kenneth Atz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie Weise
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yelena Mostinski
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pattarin Hompluem
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Eline Koers
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Tamara Miljuš
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Nicolas J Roth
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, England
| | - Hermon Asmelash
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, England
| | - Man C Vong
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Jacopo Piovesan
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arne C Rufer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eric A Kusznir
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylwia Huber
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Catarina Raposo
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth A Zirwes
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Osterwald
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anto Pavlovic
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Moes
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Beck
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Irene Benito-Cuesta
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Grande
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alexei Yeliseev
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Faye Drawnel
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Widmer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Holzer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tom van der Wel
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Harpreet Mandhair
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cheng-Yin Yuan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - William R Drobyski
- Department of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Yurii Saroz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natasha Grimsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Honer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Fingerle
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Gawrisch
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - Zoltan V Varga
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States.,HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pal Pacher
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, United States
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter J McCormick
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, England
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Oddi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.,Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Dmitry B Veprintsev
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Marc Nazaré
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP, Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratorium für Organische Chemie, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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15
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Basagni F, Rosini M, Decker M. Functionalized Cannabinoid Subtype 2 Receptor Ligands: Fluorescent, PET, Photochromic and Covalent Molecular Probes. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1374-1389. [PMID: 32578963 PMCID: PMC7497013 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid subtype 2 receptors (CB2 Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of signalling pathways leading to the regulation of key physiological processes. Interestingly, CB2 Rs are strongly up-regulated in pathological conditions correlated with the onset of inflammatory events like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, CB2 Rs represent an important biological target for therapeutic as well as diagnostic purposes. No CB2 R-selective drugs are yet on the market, thus underlining a that deeper comprehension of CB2 Rs' complex activation pathways and their role in the regulation of diseases is needed. Herein, we report an overview of pharmacological and imaging tools such as fluorescent, positron emission tomography (PET), photochromic and covalent selective CB2 R ligands. These molecular probes can be used in vitro as well as in vivo to investigate and explore the unravelled role(s) of CB2 Rs, and they can help to design suitable CB2 R-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
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