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Puls K, Olivé-Marti AL, Hongnak S, Lamp D, Spetea M, Wolber G. Discovery of Novel, Selective, and Nonbasic Agonists for the Kappa-Opioid Receptor Determined by Salvinorin A-Based Virtual Screening. J Med Chem 2024; 67:13788-13801. [PMID: 39088801 PMCID: PMC11345774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Modulating the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) is a promising strategy for treating various human diseases. KOR agonists show potential for treating pain, pruritus, and epilepsy, while KOR antagonists show potential for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The diterpenoid Salvinorin A (SalA), a secondary metabolite of Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective KOR agonist. Unlike typical opioids, SalA lacks a basic nitrogen, which encouraged us to search for nonbasic KOR ligands. Through structure-based virtual screening using 3D pharmacophore models based on the binding mode of SalA, we identified novel, nonbasic, potent, and selective KOR agonists. In vitro studies confirmed two virtual hits, SalA-VS-07 and SalA-VS-08, as highly selective for the KOR and showing G protein-biased KOR agonist activity. Both KOR ligands share a novel spiro-moiety and a nonbasic scaffold. Our findings provide novel starting points for developing therapeutics aimed at treating pain and other conditions in which KOR is a central player.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Puls
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aina-Leonor Olivé-Marti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Siriwat Hongnak
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Lamp
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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2
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Gisemba SA, Ferracane MJ, Murray TF, Aldrich JV. A Bicyclic Analog of the Linear Peptide Arodyn Is a Potent and Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist. Molecules 2024; 29:3109. [PMID: 38999061 PMCID: PMC11243530 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133109] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists have potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of stress-induced relapse to substance abuse and mood disorders. The dynorphin A analog arodyn (Ac[Phe1,2,3,Arg4,D-Ala8]dynorphin A-(1-11)-NH2) exhibits potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonism. Multiple cyclizations in longer peptides, such as dynorphin and its analogs, can extend the conformational constraint to additional regions of the peptide beyond what is typically constrained by a single cyclization. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of a bicyclic arodyn analog with two constraints in the opioid peptide sequence. The peptide, designed based on structure-activity relationships of monocyclic arodyn analogs, was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclized by sequential ring-closing metathesis (RCM) in the C- and N-terminal sequences. Molecular modeling studies suggest similar interactions of key aromatic and basic residues in the bicyclic peptide with KOR as found in the cryoEM structure of KOR-bound dynorphin, despite substantial differences in the backbone conformations of the two peptides. The bicyclic peptide's affinities at KOR and mu opioid receptors (MOR) were determined in radioligand binding assays, and its KOR antagonism was determined in the [35S]GTPγS assay in KOR-expressing cells. The bicyclic analog retains KOR affinity and selectivity (Ki = 26 nM, 97-fold selectivity over MOR) similar to arodyn and exhibits potent KOR antagonism in the dynorphin-stimulated [35S]GTPγS assay. This bicyclic peptide represents a promising advance in preparing cyclic opioid peptide ligands and opens avenues for the rational design of additional bicyclic opioid peptide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon A Gisemba
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
| | - Jane V Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Zhang M, Lei Z, Yao X, Zhang L, Yan P, Wu N, Chen M, Zhang F, Liu D. Model informed drug development: HSK21542 PBPK model supporting dose decisions in specific populations. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 196:106763. [PMID: 38599505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106763] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
HKS21542, a highly selective activator of peripheral kappa opioid receptor agonists, plays a critical role in antinociception and itch inhibition during clinical development. Due to its indication population and elimination characteristics, it is imperative to evaluate the potential HSK21542 systemic exposure in individuals with renal impairment, hepatic impairment, the elderly, and the geriatric population. Here, a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for HSK21542 was developed based on in vitro metabolism and transport characteristics and in vivo elimination mechanism. Meanwhile, the potential systemic exposure of HSK21542 in specific populations was evaluated. The predicted results indicated increased systemic exposure in patients with renal impairment, hepatic impairment and in the elderly. Compared to the healthy volunteers aged 20-60 years, the AUC0-24h increased by 52 %-71 % in population with moderate to severe renal impairment, by 46 %-77 % in those with mild to severe hepatic impairment, and by 45 %-85 % in the elderly population aged 65-95-years. Conversely, the pediatric population demonstrated a potential decrease in systemic exposure, ranging from 20 % to 37 % in patients aged 0-17 years due to the physiological characteristics. Combined with the predicted results and the exposure-response relationship observed for HSK21542 and its analog (CR845), dosage regimens were designed for the target population with renal and hepatic impairment, supporting the successfully conducted trials (CTR20201702 and CTR20211940). Moreover, the observed exposure of HSK21542 in the elderly closely matched the predicted results within the same age group. Additionally, based on the predicted results, potential reductions in systemic exposure in pediatric patients should be carefully considered to avoid potential treatment failure in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhang
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Zihan Lei
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueting Yao
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pangke Yan
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Meixia Chen
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Fengyi Zhang
- Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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4
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Karasawa Y, Miyano K, Yamaguchi M, Nonaka M, Yamaguchi K, Iseki M, Kawagoe I, Uezono Y. Therapeutic Potential of Orally Administered Rubiscolin-6. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9959. [PMID: 37373107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129959] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rubiscolins are naturally occurring opioid peptides derived from the enzymatic digestion of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase protein in spinach leaves. They are classified into two subtypes based on amino acid sequence, namely rubiscolin-5 and rubiscolin-6. In vitro studies have determined rubiscolins as G protein-biased delta-opioid receptor agonists, and in vivo studies have demonstrated that they exert several beneficial effects via the central nervous system. The most unique and attractive advantage of rubiscolin-6 over other oligopeptides is its oral availability. Therefore, it can be considered a promising candidate for the development of a novel and safe drug. In this review, we show the therapeutic potential of rubiscolin-6, mainly focusing on its effects when orally administered based on available evidence. Additionally, we present a hypothesis for the pharmacokinetics of rubiscolin-6, focusing on its absorption in the intestinal tract and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Karasawa
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Medical Affairs, Viatris Pharmaceuticals Japan Inc., Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
| | - Kanako Miyano
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Medical Affairs, Pfizer Japan Inc., Tokyo 151-8589, Japan
| | - Miki Nonaka
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamaguchi
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Masako Iseki
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Izumi Kawagoe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Uezono
- Department of Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Supportive and Palliative Care Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
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Lohman RJ, Reddy Tupally K, Kandale A, Cabot PJ, Parekh HS. Design and development of novel, short, stable dynorphin-based opioid agonists for safer analgesic therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1150313. [PMID: 36937883 PMCID: PMC10020352 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1150313] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptors have exceptional potential as an analgesic target, seemingly devoid of many problematic Mu receptor side-effects. Kappa-selective, small molecule pharmaceutical agents have been developed, but centrally mediated side-effects limit clinical translation. We modify endogenous dynorphin peptides to improve drug-likeness and develop safer KOP receptor agonists for clinical use. Using rational, iterative design, we developed a series of potent, selective, and metabolically stable peptides from dynorphin 1-7. Peptides were assessed for in vitro cAMP-modulation against three opioid receptors, metabolic stability, KOP receptor selectivity, desensitisation and pERK-signalling capability. Lead peptides were evaluated for in vivo efficacy in a rat model of inflammatory nociception. A library of peptides was synthesised and assessed for pharmacological and metabolic stability. Promising peptide candidates showed low nanomolar KOP receptor selectivity in cAMP assay, and improved plasma and trypsin stability. Selected peptides showed bias towards cAMP signalling over pERK activity, also demonstrating reduced desensitisation. In vivo, two peptides showed significant opioid-like antinociception comparable to morphine and U50844H. These highly potent and metabolically stable peptides are promising opioid analgesic leads for clinical translation. Since they are somewhat biased peptide Kappa agonists they may lack many significant side-effects, such as tolerance, addiction, sedation, and euphoria/dysphoria, common to opioid analgesics.
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Jennings EM, Sullivan LC, Jamshidi RJ, LoCoco PM, Smith HR, Chavera TS, Berg KA, Clarke WP. Age-related changes in peripheral nociceptor function. Neuropharmacology 2022; 216:109187. [PMID: 35835212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pain and pain management in the elderly population is a significant social and medical problem. Pain sensation is a complex phenomenon that typically involves activation of peripheral pain-sensing neurons (nociceptors) which send signals to the spinal cord and brain that are interpreted as pain, an unpleasant sensory experience. In this work, young (4-5 months) and aged (26-27 months) Fischer 344 x Brown Norway (F344xBN) rats were examined for nociceptor sensitivity to activation by thermal (cold and heat) and mechanical stimulation following treatment with inflammatory mediators and activators of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Unlike other senses that decrease in sensitivity with age, sensitivity of hindpaw nociceptors to thermal and mechanical stimulation was not different between young and aged F344xBN rats. Intraplantar injection of bradykinin (BK) produced greater thermal and mechanical allodynia in aged versus young rats, whereas only mechanical allodynia was greater in aged rats following injection of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Intraplantar injection of TRP channel activators, capsaicin (TRPV1), mustard oil (TRPA1) and menthol (TRPM8) each resulted in greater mechanical allodynia in aged versus young rats and capsaicin-induced heat allodynia was also greater in aged rats. A treatment-induced allodynia that was greater in young rats was never observed. The anti-allodynic effects of intraplantar injection of kappa and delta opioid receptor agonists, salvinorin-A and D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), respectively, were greater in aged than young rats, whereas mu opioid receptor agonists, [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and morphine, were not effective in aged rats. Consistent with these observations, in primary cultures of peripheral sensory neurons, inhibition of cAMP signaling in response to delta and kappa receptor agonists was greater in cultures derived from aged rats. By contrast, mu receptor agonists did not inhibit cAMP signaling in aged rats. Thus, age-related changes in nociceptors generally favor increased pain signaling in aged versus young rats, suggesting that changes in nociceptor sensitivity may play a role in the increased incidence of pain in the elderly population. These results also suggest that development of peripherally-restricted kappa or delta opioid receptor agonists may provide safer and effective pain relief for the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Jennings
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Laura C Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Raehannah J Jamshidi
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Peter M LoCoco
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Hudson R Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Teresa S Chavera
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Kelly A Berg
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - William P Clarke
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.
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In Vitro, In Vivo and In Silico Characterization of a Novel Kappa-Opioid Receptor Antagonist. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060680. [PMID: 35745598 PMCID: PMC9229160 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists are promising innovative therapeutics for the treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The new scaffold opioid ligand, Compound A, was originally found as a mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist but its binding/selectivity and activation profile at the KOR and delta-opioid receptor (DOR) remain elusive. In this study, we present an in vitro, in vivo and in silico characterization of Compound A by revealing this ligand as a KOR antagonist in vitro and in vivo. In the radioligand competitive binding assay, Compound A bound at the human KOR, albeit with moderate affinity, but with increased affinity than to the human MOR and without specific binding at the human DOR, thus displaying a preferential KOR selectivity profile. Following subcutaneous administration in mice, Compound A effectively reverse the antinociceptive effects of the prototypical KOR agonist, U50,488. In silico investigations were carried out to assess the structural determinants responsible for opioid receptor subtype selectivity of Compound A. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic pharmacophore (dynophore) generation revealed differences in the stabilization of the chlorophenyl moiety of Compound A within the opioid receptor binding pockets, rationalizing the experimentally determined binding affinity values. This new chemotype bears the potential for favorable ADMET properties and holds promise for chemical optimization toward the development of potential therapeutics.
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Opioids and Their Receptors: Present and Emerging Concepts in Opioid Drug Discovery II. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103140. [PMID: 35630616 PMCID: PMC9143373 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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