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Shi S, Zheng Y, Goulding J, Marri S, Lucarini L, Konecny B, Sgambellone S, Villano S, Bosma R, Wijtmans M, Briddon SJ, Zarzycka BA, Vischer HF, Leurs R. A high-affinity, cis-on photoswitchable beta blocker to optically control β 2-adrenergic receptors in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116396. [PMID: 38942089 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116396] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
This study introduces (S)-Opto-prop-2, a second-generation photoswitchable ligand designed for precise modulation of β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR). Synthesised by incorporating an azobenzene moiety with propranolol, (S)-Opto-prop-2 exhibited a high PSScis (photostationary state for cis isomer) percentage (∼90 %) and a favourable half-life (>10 days), facilitating diverse bioassay measurements. In vitro, the cis-isomer displayed substantially higher β2AR binding affinity than the trans-isomer (1000-fold), making (S)-Opto-prop-2 one of the best photoswitchable GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) ligands reported so far. Molecular docking of (S)-Opto-prop-2 in the X-ray structure of propranolol-bound β2AR followed by site-directed mutagenesis studies, identified D1133.32, N3127.39 and F2896.51 as crucial residues that contribute to ligand-receptor interactions at the molecular level. In vivo efficacy was assessed using a rabbit ocular hypertension model, revealing that the cis isomer mimicked propranolol's effects in reducing intraocular pressure, while the trans isomer was inactive. Dynamic optical modulation of β2AR by (S)-Opto-prop-2 was demonstrated in two different cAMP bioassays and using live-cell confocal imaging, indicating reversible and dynamic control of β2AR activity using the new photopharmacology tool. In conclusion, (S)-Opto-prop-2 emerges as a promising photoswitchable ligand for precise and reversible β2AR modulation with light. The new tool shows superior cis-on binding affinity, one of the largest reported differences in affinity (1000-fold) between its two configurations, in vivo efficacy, and dynamic modulation. This study contributes valuable insights into the evolving field of photopharmacology, offering a potential avenue for targeted therapy in β2AR-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Shi
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yang Zheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joëlle Goulding
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands NG7 2UH, U.K; Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Silvia Marri
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Laura Lucarini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Benjamin Konecny
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Silvia Sgambellone
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Serafina Villano
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Reggie Bosma
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maikel Wijtmans
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Briddon
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands NG7 2UH, U.K; Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Barbara A Zarzycka
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry F Vischer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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