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Llinas Del Torrent C, Raïch I, Gonzalez A, Lillo J, Casajuana-Martin N, Franco R, Pardo L, Navarro G. Allosterism in the adenosine A 2A and cannabinoid CB 2 heteromer. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39044481 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Allosterism is a regulatory mechanism for GPCRs that can be attained by ligand-binding or protein-protein interactions with another GPCR. We have studied the influence of the dimer interface on the allosteric properties of the A2A receptor and CB2 receptor heteromer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We have evaluated cAMP production, phosphorylation of signal-regulated kinases (pERK1/2), label-free dynamic mass redistribution, β-arrestin 2 recruitment and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays in the absence and presence of synthetic peptides that disrupt the formation of the heteromer. Molecular dynamic simulations provided converging evidence that the heteromeric interface influences the allosteric properties of the A2AR-CB2R heteromer. KEY RESULTS Apo A2AR blocks agonist-induced signalling of CB2R. The disruptive peptides, with the amino acid sequence of transmembrane (TM) 6 of A2AR or CB2R, facilitate CB2R activation, suggesting that A2AR allosterically prevents the outward movement of TM 6 of CB2R for G protein binding. Significantly, binding of the selective antagonist SCH 58261 to A2AR also facilitated agonist-induced activation of CB2R. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS It is proposed that the A2AR-CB2R heteromer contains distinct dimerization interfaces that govern its functional properties. The molecular interface between protomers of the A2AR-CB2R heteromer interconverted from TM 6 for apo or agonist-bound A2AR, blocking CB2R activation, to mainly the TM 1/7 interface for antagonist-bound A2AR, facilitating the independent opening of intracellular cavities for G protein binding. These novel results shed light on a different type of allosteric mechanism and extend the repertoire of GPCR heteromer signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Llinas Del Torrent
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nil Casajuana-Martin
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Pardo
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Barcelona, Spain
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Raïch I, Lillo J, Rivas-Santisteban R, Rebassa JB, Capó T, Santandreu M, Cubeles-Juberias E, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Potential of CBD Acting on Cannabinoid Receptors CB 1 and CB 2 in Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6708. [PMID: 38928415 PMCID: PMC11204117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death. It not only affects adult people but also many children. It is estimated that, every year, 15 million people suffer a stroke worldwide. Among them, 5 million people die, while 5 million people are left permanently disabled. In this sense, the research to find new treatments should be accompanied with new therapies to combat neuronal death and to avoid developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Phytocannabinoids are among the compounds that have been used by mankind for the longest period of history. Their beneficial effects such as pain regulation or neuroprotection are widely known and make them possible therapeutic agents with high potential. These compounds bind cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Unfortunately, the psychoactive side effect has displaced them in the vast majority of areas. Thus, progress in the research and development of new compounds that show efficiency as neuroprotectors without this psychoactive effect is essential. On the one hand, these compounds could selectively bind the CB2 receptor that does not show psychoactive effects and, in glia, has opened new avenues in this field of research, shedding new light on the use of cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets to combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. On the other hand, a new possibility lies in the formation of heteromers containing cannabinoid receptors. Heteromers are new functional units that show new properties compared to the individual protomers. Thus, they represent a new possibility that may offer the beneficial effects of cannabinoids devoid of the unwanted psychoactive effect. Nowadays, the approval of a mixture of CBD (cannabidiol) and Δ9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to treat the neuropathic pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis or purified cannabidiol to combat pediatric epilepsy have opened new therapeutic possibilities in the field of cannabinoids and returned these compounds to the front line of research to treat pathologies as relevant as stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iu Raïch
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Biel Rebassa
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Capó
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Santandreu
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
| | - Erik Cubeles-Juberias
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (I.R.); (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (M.S.); (E.C.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.L.); (R.R.-S.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), Campus Mundet, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Gonçalves-Ribeiro J, Savchak OK, Costa-Pinto S, Gomes JI, Rivas-Santisteban R, Lillo A, Sánchez Romero J, Sebastião AM, Navarrete M, Navarro G, Franco R, Vaz SH. Adenosine receptors are the on-and-off switch of astrocytic cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor effect upon synaptic plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Glia 2024; 72:1096-1116. [PMID: 38482984 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in cognitive functions such as working memory. Astrocytic cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) induces cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) concentration changes with an impact on neuronal function. mPFC astrocytes also express adenosine A1 and A2A receptors (A1R, A2AR), being unknown the crosstalk between CB1R and adenosine receptors in these cells. We show here that a further level of regulation of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling occurs through CB1R-A2AR or CB1R-A1R heteromers that ultimately impact mPFC synaptic plasticity. CB1R-mediated Ca2+ transients increased and decreased when A1R and A2AR were activated, respectively, unveiling adenosine receptors as modulators of astrocytic CB1R. CB1R activation leads to an enhancement of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the mPFC, under the control of A1R but not of A2AR. Notably, in IP3R2KO mice, that do not show astrocytic Ca2+ level elevations, CB1R activation decreases LTP, which is not modified by A1R or A2AR. The present work suggests that CB1R has a homeostatic role on mPFC LTP, under the control of A1R, probably due to physical crosstalk between these receptors in astrocytes that ultimately alters CB1R Ca2+ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oksana K Savchak
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Costa-Pinto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana I Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sánchez Romero
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Instituto Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Rebassa JB, Capó T, Lillo J, Raïch I, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Cannabinoid and Orexigenic Systems Interplay as a New Focus of Research in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5378. [PMID: 38791416 PMCID: PMC11121409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a significant health challenge, with an increasing prevalence globally. Recent research has aimed to deepen the understanding of the disease pathophysiology and to find potential therapeutic interventions. In this regard, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as novel potential therapeutic targets to palliate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Orexin and cannabinoid receptors are GPCRs capable of forming heteromeric complexes with a relevant role in the development of this disease. On the one hand, the hyperactivation of the orexins system has been associated with sleep-wake cycle disruption and Aβ peptide accumulation. On the other hand, cannabinoid receptor overexpression takes place in a neuroinflammatory environment, favoring neuroprotective effects. Considering the high number of interactions between cannabinoid and orexin systems that have been described, regulation of this interplay emerges as a new focus of research. In fact, in microglial primary cultures of APPSw/Ind mice model of AD there is an important increase in CB2R-OX1R complex expression, while OX1R antagonism potentiates the neuroprotective effects of CB2R. Specifically, pretreatment with the OX1R antagonist has been shown to strongly potentiate CB2R signaling in the cAMP pathway. Furthermore, the blockade of OX1R can also abolish the detrimental effects of OX1R overactivation in AD. In this sense, CB2R-OX1R becomes a new potential therapeutic target to combat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Biel Rebassa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Capó
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), National Institute of Health Carlos, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.B.R.); (T.C.); (J.L.); (I.R.)
- Institut de Neurociències UB, Campus Mundet, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Merighi S, Travagli A, Nigro M, Pasquini S, Cappello M, Contri C, Varani K, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Gessi S. Caffeine for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease: Is the A 2A Adenosine Receptor Its Target? Biomolecules 2023; 13:967. [PMID: 37371547 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent kind of dementia with roughly 135 million cases expected in the world by 2050. Unfortunately, current medications for the treatment of AD can only relieve symptoms but they do not act as disease-modifying agents that can stop the course of AD. Caffeine is one of the most widely used drugs in the world today, and a number of clinical studies suggest that drinking coffee may be good for health, especially in the fight against neurodegenerative conditions such as AD. Experimental works conducted "in vivo" and "in vitro" provide intriguing evidence that caffeine exerts its neuroprotective effects by antagonistically binding to A2A receptors (A2ARs), a subset of GPCRs that are triggered by the endogenous nucleoside adenosine. This review provides a summary of the scientific data supporting the critical role that A2ARs play in memory loss and cognitive decline, as well as the evidence supporting the protective benefits against neurodegeneration that may be attained by caffeine's antagonistic action on these receptors. They are a novel and fascinating target for regulating and enhancing synaptic activity, achieving symptomatic and potentially disease-modifying effects, and protecting against neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Travagli
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manuela Nigro
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Cappello
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Lillo J, García-Pérez I, Lillo A, Serrano-Marín J, Martínez-Pinilla E, Navarro G, Franco R. The olfactory Olfr-78/51E2 receptor interacts with the adenosine A 2A receptor. Effect of menthol and 1,8-cineole on A 2A receptor-mediated signaling. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1108617. [PMID: 37266149 PMCID: PMC10229766 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1108617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heteromer formation is unknown for the olfactory family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We here identified, in a heterologous system, heteromers formed by the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), which is a target for neuroprotection, and an olfactory receptor. A2AR interacts with the receptor family 51, subfamily E, member 2 (OR51E2), the human ortholog of the mouse Olfr-78, whose mRNA is differentially expressed in activated microglia treated with adenosine receptor ligands. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays were performed in HEK-293T cells expressing the human version of the receptors, OR51E2 and A2AR, fused, respectively, to Renilla luciferase (RLuc) and the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). BRET data was consistent with a receptor-receptor interaction whose consequences at the functional level were measured by cAMP level determination in CHO cells. Results showed an olfactory receptor-mediated partial blockade of Gs coupling to the A2AR, i.e., the effect of the A2AR selective agonist on intracellular levels of cAMP was significantly reduced. Two odorants, menthol and 1,8-cineole, which failed to show Golf-mediated OR51E2 activation because they did not increase cytosolic cAMP levels, reduced the BRET readings in cells expressing A2AR-YFP and OR51E2-Rluc, most likely suggesting a conformational change of at least one receptor. These odorants led to an almost complete block of A2AR coupling to Gs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Lillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene García-Pérez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Serrano-Marín
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Pinilla
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Asturias, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, Marcoli M, Cervetto C, Maura G, Agnati LF. Receptor-receptor interactions and microvesicle exchange as mechanisms modulating signaling between neurons and astrocytes. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109509. [PMID: 36935005 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that astrocytes play a significant metabolic role in the nervous tissue, maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular space and of the blood-brain barrier, and providing trophic support to neurons. In addition, however, evidence exists indicating astrocytes as important elements for brain activity through signaling exchange with neurons. Astrocytes, indeed, can sense synaptic activity and their molecular machinery responds to neurotransmitters released by neurons with cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevations that, in turn, stimulate the release of neuroactive substances (gliotransmitters) influencing nearby neurons. In both cell types the recognition and transduction of this complex pattern of signals is mediated by specific receptors that are also involved in mechanisms tuning the intercellular cross-talk between astrocytes and neurons. Two of these mechanisms are the focus of the present discussion. The first concerns direct receptor-receptor interactions leading to the formation at the cell membrane of multimeric receptor complexes. The cooperativity that emerges in the actions of orthosteric and allosteric ligands of the monomers forming the assembly provides the cell decoding apparatus with sophisticated and flexible dynamics in terms of recognition and signal transduction pathways. A further mechanism of plasticity involving receptors is based on the transfer of elements of the cellular signaling apparatus via extracellular microvesicles acting as protective containers, which can lead to transient changes in the transmitting/decoding capabilities of the target cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126, Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
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8
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Zhao Y, Liu X, Yang G. Adenosinergic Pathway in Parkinson's Disease: Recent Advances and Therapeutic Perspective. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3054-3070. [PMID: 36786912 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03257-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized pathologically by α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation. In PD, the current mainstay of symptomatic treatment is levodopa (L-DOPA)-based dopamine (DA) replacement therapy. However, the development of dyskinesia and/or motor fluctuations which is relevant to levodopa is restricting its long-term utility. Given that the ability of which is to modulate the striato-thalamo-cortical loops and function to modulate basal ganglia output, the adenosinergic pathway (AP) is qualified as a potential promising non-DA target. As an indispensable component of energy production pathways, AP modulates cellular metabolism and gene regulation in both neurons and neuroglia cells through the recognition and degradation of extracellular adenosine. In addition, AP is geared to the initiation, evolution, and resolution of inflammation as well. Besides the above-mentioned crosstalk between the adenosine and dopamine signaling pathways, the functions of adenosine receptors (A1R, A2AR, A2BR, and A3R) and metabolism enzymes in modulating PD pathological process have been extensively investigated in recent decades. Here we reviewed the emerging findings focused on the function of adenosine receptors, adenosine formation, and metabolism in the brain and discussed its potential roles in PD pathological process. We also recapitulated clinical studies and the preclinical evidence for the medical strategies targeting the Ado signaling pathway to improve motor dysfunction and alleviate pathogenic process in PD. We hope that further clinical studies should consider this pathway in their monotherapy and combination therapy, which would open new vistas to more targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guofeng Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Franco R, Lillo A, Navarro G, Reyes-Resina I. The adenosine A 2A receptor is a therapeutic target in neurological, heart and oncogenic diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:791-800. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2136570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neuropharmacology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neuropharmacology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Neuropharmacology laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology. School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Raïch I, Rebassa JB, Lillo J, Cordomi A, Rivas-Santisteban R, Lillo A, Reyes-Resina I, Franco R, Navarro G. Antagonization of OX 1 Receptor Potentiates CB 2 Receptor Function in Microglia from APP Sw/Ind Mice Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12801. [PMID: 36361598 PMCID: PMC9656664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microdialysis assays demonstrated a possible role of orexin in the regulation of amyloid beta peptide (Aß) levels in the hippocampal interstitial fluid in the APP transgenic model. CB2R is overexpressed in activated microglia, showing a neuroprotective effect. These two receptors may interact, forming CB2-OX1-Hets and becoming a new target to combat Alzheimer's disease. Aims: Demonstrate the potential role of CB2-OX1-Hets expression and function in microglia from animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Receptor heteromer expression was detected by immunocytochemistry, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and proximity ligation assay (PLA) in transfected HEK-293T cells and microglia primary cultures. Quantitation of signal transduction events in a heterologous system and in microglia cells was performed using the AlphaScreen® SureFire® kit, western blot, the GCaMP6 calcium sensor and the Lance Ultra cAMP kit (PerkinElmer). The formation of CB2-OX1 receptor complexes in transfected HEK-293T cells has been demonstrated. The tetrameric complex is constituted by one CB2R homodimer, one OX1R homodimer and two G proteins, a Gi and a Gq. The use of TAT interfering peptides showed that the CB2-OX1 receptor complex interface is TM4-TM5. At the functional level it has been observed that the OX1R antagonist, SB334867, potentiates the action induced by CB2R agonist JWH133. This effect is observed in transfected HEK-293T cells and microglia, and it is stronger in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal model APPSw/Ind where the expression of the complex assessed by the proximity ligation assay indicates an increase in the number of complexes compared to resting microglia. The CB2-OX1 receptor complex is overexpressed in microglia from AD animal models where OX1R antagonists potentiate the neuroprotective actions of CB2R activation. Taken together, these results point to OX1R antagonists as drugs with therapeutic potential to combat AD. Data access statement: Raw data will be provided by the corresponding author upon reasonable requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iu Raïch
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Biel Rebassa
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Lillo
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Neurosciences Institut, University of Barcelona (NeuroUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Vicente-Acosta A, Ceprian M, Sobrino P, Pazos MR, Loría F. Cannabinoids as Glial Cell Modulators in Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Neuroprotection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888222. [PMID: 35721207 PMCID: PMC9199389 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide following coronary heart disease. Despite significant efforts to find effective treatments to reduce neurological damage, many patients suffer from sequelae that impair their quality of life. For this reason, the search for new therapeutic options for the treatment of these patients is a priority. Glial cells, including microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, participate in crucial processes that allow the correct functioning of the neural tissue, being actively involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke. Although the exact mechanisms by which glial cells contribute in the pathophysiological context of stroke are not yet completely understood, they have emerged as potentially therapeutic targets to improve brain recovery. The endocannabinoid system has interesting immunomodulatory and protective effects in glial cells, and the pharmacological modulation of this signaling pathway has revealed potential neuroprotective effects in different neurological diseases. Therefore, here we recapitulate current findings on the potential promising contribution of the endocannabinoid system pharmacological manipulation in glial cells for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Vicente-Acosta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ceprian
- ERC Team, PGNM, INSERM U1315, CNRS UMR5261, University of Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pilar Sobrino
- Departamento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Maria Ruth Pazos
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Frida Loría
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
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12
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Intercellular Communication in the Central Nervous System as Deduced by Chemical Neuroanatomy and Quantitative Analysis of Images: Impact on Neuropharmacology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105805. [PMID: 35628615 PMCID: PMC9145073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, new evidence on brain structure and function has been acquired by morphological investigations based on synergic interactions between biochemical anatomy approaches, new techniques in microscopy and brain imaging, and quantitative analysis of the obtained images. This effort produced an expanded view on brain architecture, illustrating the central nervous system as a huge network of cells and regions in which intercellular communication processes, involving not only neurons but also other cell populations, virtually determine all aspects of the integrative function performed by the system. The main features of these processes are described. They include the two basic modes of intercellular communication identified (i.e., wiring and volume transmission) and mechanisms modulating the intercellular signaling, such as cotransmission and allosteric receptor–receptor interactions. These features may also open new possibilities for the development of novel pharmacological approaches to address central nervous system diseases. This aspect, with a potential major impact on molecular medicine, will be also briefly discussed.
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13
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Franco R, Morales P, Navarro G, Jagerovic N, Reyes-Resina I. The Binding Mode to Orthosteric Sites and/or Exosites Underlies the Therapeutic Potential of Drugs Targeting Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:852631. [PMID: 35250601 PMCID: PMC8889005 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.852631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical terms agonists and antagonists for G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have often become misleading. Even the biased agonism concept does not describe all the possibilities already demonstrated for GPCRs. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) emerged as a promising target for a variety of diseases. Reasons for such huge potential are centered around the way drugs sit in the orthosteric and/or exosites of the receptor. On the one hand, a given drug in a specific CB2R conformation leads to a signaling cascade that differs qualitatively and/or quantitatively from that triggered by another drug. On the other hand, a given drug may lead to different signaling outputs in two different tissues (or cell contexts) in which the conformation of the receptor is affected by allosteric effects derived from interactions with other proteins or with membrane lipids. This highlights the pharmacological complexity of this receptor and the need to further unravel the binding mode of CB2R ligands in order to fine-tune signaling effects and therapeutic propositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- CiberNed. Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biolomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Rafael Franco,
| | - Paula Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed. Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Medicinal Chemistry Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- CiberNed. Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biolomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Young AP, Denovan-Wright EM. The Dynamic Role of Microglia and the Endocannabinoid System in Neuroinflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806417. [PMID: 35185547 PMCID: PMC8854262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, can take on a range of pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes to maintain homeostasis. However, the sustained activation of pro-inflammatory microglia can lead to a state of chronic neuroinflammation characterized by high concentrations of neurotoxic soluble factors throughout the brain. In healthy brains, the inflammatory processes cease and microglia transition to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, but failure to halt the pro-inflammatory processes is a characteristic of many neurological disorders. The endocannabinoid system has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for chronic neuroinflammation as there is evidence that synthetic and endogenously produced cannabinoids temper the pro-inflammatory response of microglia and may encourage a switch to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Activation of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors has been proposed as the mechanism of action responsible for these effects. The abundance of components of the endocannabinoid system in microglia also change dynamically in response to several brain pathologies. This can impact the ability of microglia to synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids or react to endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptors also participate in the formation of receptor heteromers which influences their function specifically in cells that express both receptors, such as microglia. This creates opportunities for drug-drug interactions between CB2 receptor-targeted therapies and other classes of drugs. In this article, we review the roles of pro- and anti-inflammatory microglia in the development and resolution of neuroinflammation. We also discuss the fluctuations observed in the components of the endocannabinoid in microglia and examine the potential of CB2 receptors as a therapeutic target in this context.
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15
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Expression of the Adenosine A2A-A3 Receptor Heteromer in Different Brain Regions and Marked Upregulation in the Microglia of the Transgenic APPSw,Ind Alzheimer’s Disease Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020214. [PMID: 35203424 PMCID: PMC8869194 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine (Ado) receptors have been instrumental in the detection of heteromers and other higher-order receptor structures, mainly via interactions with other cell surface G-protein-coupled receptors. Apart from the first report of the A1 Ado receptor interacting with the A2A Ado receptor, there has been more recent data on the possibility that every Ado receptor type, A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, may interact with each other. The aim of this paper was to look for the expression and function of the A2A/A3 receptor heteromer (A2AA3Het) in neurons and microglia. In situ proximity ligation assays (PLA), performed in primary cells, showed that A2AA3Het expression was markedly higher in striatal than in cortical and hippocampal neurons, whereas it was similar in resting and activated microglia. Signaling assays demonstrated that the effect of the A2AR agonist, PSB 777, was reduced in the presence of the A3R agonist, 2-Cl-IB-MECA, whereas the effect of the A3R agonist was potentiated by the A2AR antagonist, SCH 58261. Interestingly, the expression of the heteromer was markedly enhanced in microglia from the APPSw,Ind model of Alzheimer’s disease. The functionality of the heteromer in primary microglia from APPSw,Ind mice was more similar to that found in resting microglia from control mice.
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16
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Jung SM, Peyton L, Essa H, Choi DS. Adenosine receptors: Emerging non-opioids targets for pain medications. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 11:100087. [PMID: 35372716 PMCID: PMC8971635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical and emotional pain deteriorates the quality of well-being. Also, numerous non-invasive and invasive treatments for diagnosed diseases such as cancer medications and surgical procedures cause various types of pain. Despite the multidisciplinary approaches available to manage pain, the unmet needs for medication with minimal side effects are substantial. Especially with the surge of opioid crisis during the last decades, non-opioid analgesics may reduce life-threatening overdosing and addictive liability. Although many clinical trials supported the potential potency of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) in pain management or treatment, the long-term benefits of cannabis or CBD are still not evident. At the same time, growing evidence shows the risk of overusing cannabis and CBD. Therefore, it is urgent to develop novel analgesic medications that minimize side effects. All four well-identified adenosine receptors, A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, are implicated in pain. Recently, a report demonstrated that an adenosine A1R-specific positive allosteric modulator (PAM) is a potent analgesic without noticeable side effects. Also, several A3R agonists are being considered as promising analgesic agent. However, the importance of adenosine in pain is relatively underestimated. To help readers understand, first, we will summarize the historical perspective of the adenosine system in preclinical and clinical studies. Then, we will discuss possible interactions of adenosine and opioids or the cannabis system focusing on pain. Overall, this review will provide the potential role of adenosine and adenosine receptors in pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Min Jung
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lee Peyton
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Hesham Essa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
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17
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Rapaka D, Bitra VR, Challa SR, Adiukwu PC. Potentiation of microglial endocannabinoid signaling alleviates neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropeptides 2021; 90:102196. [PMID: 34508923 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) isaprogressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chronic inflammation due to the presence of neurotoxic Aβ and tau proteins. Increased microglial activation and inflated immune response are the other factors to be considered in AD pathology. Microglial cells own biochemical machinery that synthesizes and release endocannabinoids. The exploitation of therapeutic actions of endocannabinoid system has newly emerged in the field of Alzheimer's disease. The activation of cannabinoid receptors/ cannabinoid system modulates inflammatory responses. This review assesses the association between the microglial endocannabinoid system and neuroinflammation in AD. The data supporting the anti-inflammatory role of pharmacological agents modulating cannabinoid system are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Rapaka
- A.U. College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003, India.
| | | | - Siva Reddy Challa
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
| | - Paul C Adiukwu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Botswana, P/Bag-0022, Gaborone, Botswana
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18
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Xiong Y, Lim CS. Understanding the Modulatory Effects of Cannabidiol on Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091211. [PMID: 34573232 PMCID: PMC8472755 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. The deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau is considered the hallmark of AD pathology. Many therapeutic approaches such as Food and Drug Administration-approved cholinesterase inhibitors and N–methyl–D–aspartate receptor antagonists have been used to intervene in AD pathology. However, current therapies only provide limited symptomatic relief and are ineffective in preventing AD progression. Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid devoid of psychoactive responses, provides neuroprotective effects through both cannabinoid and noncannabinoid receptors. Recent studies using an AD mouse model have suggested that CBD can reverse cognitive deficits along with Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory, oxidative responses, and neuronal death. Furthermore, CBD can reduce the accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylation of tau, suggesting the possibility of delaying AD progression. Particularly, the noncannabinoid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, has been suggested to be involved in multiple functions of CBD. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of CBD is necessary for intervening in AD pathology in depth and for the translation of preclinical studies into clinical settings. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the effect of CBD in AD and suggest problems to be overcome for the therapeutic use of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyi Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan 54538, Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332000, China
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan 54538, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-850-6765; Fax: +82-63-850-7262
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19
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A 2A Adenosine Receptor as a Potential Biomarker and a Possible Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092344. [PMID: 34571993 PMCID: PMC8469578 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative pathologies. Its incidence is in dramatic growth in Western societies and there is a need of both biomarkers to support the clinical diagnosis and drugs for the treatment of AD. The diagnostic criteria of AD are based on clinical data. However, it is necessary to develop biomarkers considering the neuropathology of AD. The A2A receptor, a G-protein coupled member of the P1 family of adenosine receptors, has different functions crucial for neurodegeneration. Its activation in the hippocampal region regulates synaptic plasticity and in particular glutamate release, NMDA receptor activation and calcium influx. Additionally, it exerts effects in neuroinflammation, regulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In AD patients, its expression is increased in the hippocampus/entorhinal cortex more than in the frontal cortex, a phenomenon not observed in age-matched control brains, indicating an association with AD pathology. It is upregulated in peripheral blood cells of patients affected by AD, thus reflecting its increase at central neuronal level. This review offers an overview on the main AD biomarkers and the potential role of A2A adenosine receptor as a new marker and therapeutic target.
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20
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Guidolin D, Tortorella C, Marcoli M, Cervetto C, Maura G, Agnati LF. Receptor-Receptor Interactions and Glial Cell Functions with a Special Focus on G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8656. [PMID: 34445362 PMCID: PMC8395429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that receptors from all families can establish allosteric receptor-receptor interactions and variably associate to form receptor complexes operating as integrative input units endowed with a high functional and structural plasticity has expanded our understanding of intercellular communication. Regarding the nervous system, most research in the field has focused on neuronal populations and has led to the identification of many receptor complexes representing an important mechanism to fine-tune synaptic efficiency. Receptor-receptor interactions, however, also modulate glia-neuron and glia-glia intercellular communication, with significant consequences on synaptic activity and brain network plasticity. The research on this topic is probably still at the beginning and, here, available evidence will be reviewed and discussed. It may also be of potential interest from a pharmacological standpoint, opening the possibility to explore, inter alia, glia-based neuroprotective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Tortorella
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
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21
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Pasquini S, Contri C, Borea PA, Vincenzi F, Varani K. Adenosine and Inflammation: Here, There and Everywhere. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7685. [PMID: 34299305 PMCID: PMC8304851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a ubiquitous endogenous modulator with the main function of maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis in pathological and stress conditions. It exerts its effect through the interaction with four G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes referred as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 adenosine receptors (ARs), each of which has a unique pharmacological profile and tissue distribution. Adenosine is a potent modulator of inflammation, and for this reason the adenosinergic system represents an excellent pharmacological target for the myriad of diseases in which inflammation represents a cause, a pathogenetic mechanism, a consequence, a manifestation, or a protective factor. The omnipresence of ARs in every cell of the immune system as well as in almost all cells in the body represents both an opportunity and an obstacle to the clinical use of AR ligands. This review offers an overview of the cardinal role of adenosine in the modulation of inflammation, showing how the stimulation or blocking of its receptors or agents capable of regulating its extracellular concentration can represent promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
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22
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Oyagawa CRM, Grimsey NL. Cannabinoid receptor CB 1 and CB 2 interacting proteins: Techniques, progress and perspectives. Methods Cell Biol 2021; 166:83-132. [PMID: 34752341 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) are implicated in a range of physiological processes and have gained attention as promising therapeutic targets for a number of diseases. Protein-protein interactions play an integral role in modulating G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) expression, subcellular distribution and signaling, and the identification and characterization of these will not only improve our understanding of GPCR function and biology, but may provide a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention. A variety of techniques are currently being used to investigate GPCR protein-protein interactions, including Förster/fluorescence and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (FRET and BRET), proximity ligation assay (PLA), and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). However, the reliable application of these methodologies is dependent on the use of appropriate controls and the consideration of the physiological context. Though not as extensively characterized as some other GPCRs, the investigation of CB1 and CB2 interacting proteins is a growing area of interest, and a range of interacting partners have been identified to date. This review summarizes the current state of the literature regarding the cannabinoid receptor interactome, provides commentary on the methodologies and techniques utilized, and discusses future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R M Oyagawa
- 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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23
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Merighi S, Poloni TE, Terrazzan A, Moretti E, Gessi S, Ferrari D. Alzheimer and Purinergic Signaling: Just a Matter of Inflammation? Cells 2021; 10:cells10051267. [PMID: 34065393 PMCID: PMC8161210 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative pathology responsible for about 70% of all cases of dementia. Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that affects neurodegeneration by activating four membrane G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, namely P1 receptors. One of them, the A2A subtype, is particularly expressed in the brain at the striatal and hippocampal levels and appears as the most promising target to counteract neurological damage and adenosine-dependent neuroinflammation. Extracellular nucleotides (ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP, etc.) are also released from the cell or are synthesized extracellularly. They activate P2X and P2Y membrane receptors, eliciting a variety of physiological but also pathological responses. Among the latter, the chronic inflammation underlying AD is mainly caused by the P2X7 receptor subtype. In this review we offer an overview of the scientific evidence linking P1 and P2 mediated purinergic signaling to AD development. We will also discuss potential strategies to exploit this knowledge for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Tino Emanuele Poloni
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology, Golgi-Cenci Foundation & ASP Golgi-Redaelli, Abbiategrasso, 20081 Milan, Italy;
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Eva Moretti
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.F.)
| | - Davide Ferrari
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.F.)
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24
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Franco R, Lillo A, Rivas-Santisteban R, Reyes-Resina I, Navarro G. Microglial Adenosine Receptors: From Preconditioning to Modulating the M1/M2 Balance in Activated Cells. Cells 2021; 10:1124. [PMID: 34066933 PMCID: PMC8148598 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal survival depends on the glia, that is, on the astroglial and microglial support. Neurons die and microglia are activated not only in neurodegenerative diseases but also in physiological aging. Activated microglia, once considered harmful, express two main phenotypes: the pro-inflammatory or M1, and the neuroprotective or M2. When neuroinflammation, i.e., microglial activation occurs, it is important to achieve a good M1/M2 balance, i.e., at some point M1 microglia must be skewed into M2 cells to impede chronic inflammation and to afford neuronal survival. G protein-coupled receptors in general and adenosine receptors in particular are potential targets for increasing the number of M2 cells. This article describes the mechanisms underlying microglial activation and analyzes whether these cells exposed to a first damaging event may be ready to be preconditioned to better react to exposure to more damaging events. Adenosine receptors are relevant due to their participation in preconditioning. They can also be overexpressed in activated microglial cells. The potential of adenosine receptors and complexes formed by adenosine receptors and cannabinoids as therapeutic targets to provide microglia-mediated neuroprotection is here discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed, Network Research Center, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spanish National Health Institute Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
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25
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Duffy SS, Hayes JP, Fiore NT, Moalem-Taylor G. The cannabinoid system and microglia in health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2021; 190:108555. [PMID: 33845074 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have yielded significant advances in our understanding of microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are key players in CNS development, immune surveillance, and the maintenance of proper neuronal function throughout life. In the healthy brain, homeostatic microglia have a unique molecular signature. In neurological diseases, microglia become activated and adopt distinct transcriptomic signatures, including disease-associated microglia (DAM) implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Homeostatic microglia synthesise the endogenous cannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide and express the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 at constitutively low levels. Upon activation, microglia significantly increase their synthesis of endocannabinoids and upregulate their expression of CB2 receptors, which promote a protective microglial phenotype by enhancing their production of neuroprotective factors and reducing their production of pro-inflammatory factors. Here, we summarise the effects of the microglial cannabinoid system in the CNS demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis, the neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. We discuss the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in regulating microglial activity and highlight the need to further investigate their specific microglia-dependent immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Duffy
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jessica P Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nathan T Fiore
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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26
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Merighi S, Poloni TE, Pelloni L, Pasquini S, Varani K, Vincenzi F, Borea PA, Gessi S. An Open Question: Is the A 2A Adenosine Receptor a Novel Target for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment? Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652455. [PMID: 33828485 PMCID: PMC8019913 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tino Emanuele Poloni
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology, Golgi-Cenci Foundation and ASP Golgi-Redaelli, Abbiategrasso, Italy
| | - Lucia Pelloni
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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27
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Modulation of Excitatory Synaptic Transmission During Cannabinoid Receptor Activation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1933-1947. [PMID: 33723716 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present research has reported that cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) agonist, delta-(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) modulates synaptogenesis during overexcitation. Microtubule and synaptic distribution, poly(ADP)-ribose (PAR) accumulation were estimated during overexcitation and in the presence of THC. Low concentration of THC (10 nM) increased synaptophysin expression and neurite length, while high concentration of THC (1 µM) induced neurotoxicity. Glutamate caused the loss of neurons, reducing the number and the length of neurites. The high concentration of THC in the presence of glutamate caused the PAR accumulation in the condensed nuclei. Glutamate upregulated genes that are involved in synaptogenesis and excitatory signal cascade. Glutamate downregulated transcription of beta3 tubulin and microtubule-associated protein 2. THC partially regulated gene expression that is implicated in the neurogenesis and excitatory pathways. This suggests that CB1 receptors play a role in neurite growth and the low concentration of THC protects neurons during overexcitation, whereas the high concentration of THC enhances the neurotoxicity.
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28
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Zhang R, Lao K, Lu B, Guo H, Cheng J, Chen P, Gou X. (m)RVD-hemopressin (α) and (m)VD-hemopressin (α) improve the memory-impairing effect of scopolamine in novel object and object location recognition tasks in mice. Peptides 2021; 136:170442. [PMID: 33171279 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of cholinergic system plays an important role in disease associated with cognitive blockage, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Central administration of scopolamine, an antagonist of acetylcholine receptor, could induce memory impairment in mice. Endocannabinoid system was also implicated in AD, as two peptides agonists of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R), (m)RVD-hemopressin (α) (RVD) and (m)VD-hemopressin (α) (VD) have been reported to inhibit the AD-relating impairment in animal and cell models. More than one-third of the cholinergic cells expressed CB1R, so we speculated that RVD and VD might have ability to inhibit the memory-impairing effect of scopolamine. Our results showed RVD and VD ameliorated the memory toxicity of scopolamine, and the effects of the two peptides could be blocked by CB1R antagonists hemopressin (Hp) and AM251 in novel object and object location recognition tasks in mice. This study suggested that RVD and VD might be potential compounds for the treatment of the disease associated with impairment of cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Kejing Lao
- Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Baiyu Lu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Huifang Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jianghong Cheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China; Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, China.
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29
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Ma C, Zhang M, Liu L, Zhang P, Liu D, Zheng X, Zhong X, Wang G. Low-dose cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist induces microglial activation in a cancer pain-morphine tolerance rat model. Life Sci 2021; 264:118635. [PMID: 33131746 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cancer pain seriously affects the life quality of patients. Morphine is commonly used for cancer pain, but tolerance development limits its clinical administration. Central immune signaling is important in the development of cancer pain and morphine tolerance. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) inhibits cancer pain and morphine tolerance by regulating central immune signaling. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of central immune signaling involved in morphine tolerance inhibition by the CB2 agonist AM1241 in cancer pain treatment. MAIN METHODS Rats were implanted with tumor cells and divided into 4 groups: Vehicle (PBS), 0.07 μg AM1241, 0.03 μg AM1241, and AM630 (10 μg) + AM1241 (0.07 μg). All groups received morphine (20 μg/day, i.t.) for 8 days. AM630 (CB2 antagonist) was intrathecally injected 30 min before AM1241, and AM1241 was intrathecally injected 30 min before morphine. The spinal cord (SC) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were collected to determine the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), microglial markers, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. KEY FINDINGS The expression of TLR4, p38 MAPK, microglial markers, IL-1β, and TNF-α was significantly higher in AM1241-pretreated groups than in the vehicle group (P < 0.05). No difference in microglial markers, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression was detected in the AM630 + AM1241 group compared with the vehicle group. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that in a cancer pain-morphine tolerance model, an i.t. non-analgesic dose of AM1241 induces microglial activation and IL-1β TNF-α upregulation in SC and DRG via the CB2 receptor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Pinyi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xuelai Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guonian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Pain Research Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China.
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30
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Lourenço DM, Ribeiro-Rodrigues L, Sebastião AM, Diógenes MJ, Xapelli S. Neural Stem Cells and Cannabinoids in the Spotlight as Potential Therapy for Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7309. [PMID: 33022963 PMCID: PMC7582633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common brain diseases worldwide, having a huge burden in society. The main hallmark of epilepsy is the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures, having a tremendous impact on the lives of the patients and of their relatives. Currently, the therapeutic strategies are mostly based on the use of antiepileptic drugs, and because several types of epilepsies are of unknown origin, a high percentage of patients are resistant to the available pharmacotherapy, continuing to experience seizures overtime. Therefore, the search for new drugs and therapeutic targets is highly important. One key aspect to be targeted is the aberrant adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) derived from Neural Stem Cells (NSCs). Indeed, targeting seizure-induced AHN may reduce recurrent seizures and shed some light on the mechanisms of disease. The endocannabinoid system is a known modulator of AHN, and due to the known endogenous antiepileptic properties, it is an interesting candidate for the generation of new antiepileptic drugs. However, further studies and clinical trials are required to investigate the putative mechanisms by which cannabinoids can be used to treat epilepsy. In this manuscript, we will review how cannabinoid-induced modulation of NSCs may promote neural plasticity and whether these drugs can be used as putative antiepileptic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo M. Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.L.); (L.R.-R.); (A.M.S.); (M.J.D.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Leonor Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.L.); (L.R.-R.); (A.M.S.); (M.J.D.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.L.); (L.R.-R.); (A.M.S.); (M.J.D.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Diógenes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.L.); (L.R.-R.); (A.M.S.); (M.J.D.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Xapelli
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.L.); (L.R.-R.); (A.M.S.); (M.J.D.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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31
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Richards JR. Mechanisms for the Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Arrhythmia Associated With Phytogenic and Synthetic Cannabinoid Use. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2020; 25:508-522. [PMID: 32588641 DOI: 10.1177/1074248420935743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Phytogenic cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa and synthetic cannabinoids are commonly used substances for their recreational and medicinal properties. There are increasing reports of cardiotoxicity in close temporal association with cannabinoid use in patients with structurally normal hearts and absence of coronary arterial disease. Associated adverse events include myocardial ischemia, conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, and sudden death. This review details the effects of phytogenic and synthetic cannabinoids on diverse receptors based on evidence from in vitro, human, and animal studies to establish a molecular basis for these deleterious clinical effects. The synergism between endocannabinoid dysregulation, cannabinoid receptor, and noncannabinoid receptor binding, and impact on cellular ion flux and coronary microvascular circulation is delineated. Pharmacogenetic factors placing certain patients at higher risk for cardiotoxicity are also correlated with the diverse effects of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Richards
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 70083University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, CA, USA
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32
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Adenosine A 2AReceptors in Substance Use Disorders: A Focus on Cocaine. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061372. [PMID: 32492952 PMCID: PMC7348840 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several psychoactive drugs can evoke substance use disorders (SUD) in humans and animals, and these include psychostimulants, opioids, cannabinoids (CB), nicotine, and alcohol. The etiology, mechanistic processes, and the therapeutic options to deal with SUD are not well understood. The common feature of all abused drugs is that they increase dopamine (DA) neurotransmission within the mesocorticolimbic circuitry of the brain followed by the activation of DA receptors. D2 receptors were proposed as important molecular targets for SUD. The findings showed that D2 receptors formed heteromeric complexes with other GPCRs, which forced the addiction research area in new directions. In this review, we updated the view on the brain D2 receptor complexes with adenosine (A)2A receptors (A2AR) and discussed the role of A2AR in different aspects of addiction phenotypes in laboratory animal procedures that permit the highly complex syndrome of human drug addiction. We presented the current knowledge on the neurochemical in vivo and ex vivo mechanisms related to cocaine use disorder (CUD) and discussed future research directions for A2AR heteromeric complexes in SUD.
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33
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Adenosine A 2A Receptor Antagonists Affects NMDA Glutamate Receptor Function. Potential to Address Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051075. [PMID: 32357548 PMCID: PMC7290564 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background. N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptor (NMDAR), which is one of the main targets to combat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is expressed in both neurons and glial cells. The aim of this paper was to assess whether the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), which is a target in neurodegeneration, may affect NMDAR functionality. (2) Methods. Immuno-histo/cytochemical, biophysical, biochemical and signaling assays were performed in a heterologous cell expression system and in primary cultures of neurons and microglia (resting and activated) from control and the APPSw,Ind transgenic mice. (3) Results. On the one hand, NMDA and A2A receptors were able to physically interact forming complexes, mainly in microglia. Furthermore, the amount of complexes was markedly enhanced in activated microglia. On the other hand, the interaction resulted in a novel functional entity that displayed a cross-antagonism, that could be useful to prevent the exacerbation of NMDAR function by using A2AR antagonists. Interestingly, the amount of complexes was markedly higher in the hippocampal cells from the APPSw,Ind than from the control mice. In neurons, the number of complexes was lesser, probably due to NMDAR not interacting with the A2AR. However, the activation of the A2AR receptors resulted in higher NMDAR functionality in neurons, probably by indirect mechanisms. (4) Conclusions. A2AR antagonists such as istradefylline, which is already approved for Parkinson’s disease (Nouriast® in Japan and Nourianz® in the US), have potential to afford neuroprotection in AD in a synergistic-like fashion. i.e., via both neurons and microglia.
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