1
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Lambert DG. Opioids and opioid receptors; understanding pharmacological mechanisms as a key to therapeutic advances and mitigation of the misuse crisis. BJA OPEN 2023; 6:100141. [PMID: 37588171 PMCID: PMC10430815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2023.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are a mainstay in acute pain management and produce their effects and side effects (e.g., tolerance, opioid-use disorder and immune suppression) by interaction with opioid receptors. I will discuss opioid pharmacology in some controversial areas of enquiry of anaesthetic relevance. The main opioid target is the µ (mu,MOP) receptor but other members of the opioid receptor family, δ (delta; DOP) and κ (kappa; KOP) opioid receptors also produce analgesic actions. These are naloxone-sensitive. There is important clinical development relating to the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor, an opioid receptor that is not naloxone-sensitive. Better understanding of the drivers for opioid effects and side effects may facilitate separation of side effects and production of safer drugs. Opioids bind to the receptor orthosteric site to produce their effects and can engage monomer or homo-, heterodimer receptors. Some ligands can drive one intracellular pathway over another. This is the basis of biased agonism (or functional selectivity). Opioid actions at the orthosteric site can be modulated allosterically and positive allosteric modulators that enhance opioid action are in development. As well as targeting ligand-receptor interaction and transduction, modulating receptor expression and hence function is also tractable. There is evidence for epigenetic associations with different types of pain and also substance misuse. As long as the opioid narrative is defined by the 'opioid crisis' the drive to remove them could gather pace. This will deny use where they are effective, and access to morphine for pain relief in low income countries.
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2
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Franchini L, Orlandi C. Probing the orphan receptors: Tools and directions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 195:47-76. [PMID: 36707155 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous ligands activating a large fraction of the G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) family members have yet to be identified. These receptors are commonly labeled as orphans (oGPCRs), and because of the absence of available pharmacological tools they are currently understudied. Nonetheless, genome wide association studies, together with research using animal models identified many physiological functions regulated by oGPCRs. Similarly, mutations in some oGPCRs have been associated with rare genetic disorders or with an increased risk of developing pathologies. The once underestimated pharmacological potential of targeting oGPCRs is increasingly being exploited by the development of novel tools to understand their biology and by drug discovery endeavors aimed at identifying new modulators of their activity. Here, we summarize recent advancements in the field of oGPCRs and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Franchini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Cesare Orlandi
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States.
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3
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Malfacini D, Djeujo FM, Marconato C, Wtorek K, Calo' G, Janecka A. Functional selectivity of EM-2 analogs at the mu-opioid receptor. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1133961. [PMID: 36909169 PMCID: PMC9998502 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1133961] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mu opioid receptor agonists are the most efficacious pain controlling agents but their use is accompanied by severe side effects. More recent developments indicate that some ligands can differentially activate receptor downstream pathways, possibly allowing for dissociation of analgesia mediated through the G protein from the opioid-related side effects mediated by β-arrestin pathway. In an effort to identify such biased ligands, here we present a series of thirteen endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogs with modifications in positions 1, 2, and/or 3. All obtained analogs behaved as mu receptor selective agonists in calcium mobilization assay carried out on cells expressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) approach was employed to determine the ability of analogs to promote the interaction of the mu opioid receptor with G protein or β-arrestin 2. Nearly half of the developed analogs showed strong bias towards G protein, in addition four compounds were nearly inactive towards β-arrestin 2 recruitment while blocking the propensity of EM-2 to evoke mu-β-arrestin 2 interaction. The data presented here contribute to our understanding of EM-2 interaction with the mu opioid receptor and of the transductional propagation of the signal. In addition, the generation of potent and selective mu receptor agonists strongly biased towards G protein provides the scientific community with novel tools to investigate the in vivo consequences of biased agonism at this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francine Medjiofack Djeujo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chantal Marconato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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4
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Ives A, Dunn HA, Afsari HS, Seckler HDS, Foroutan MJ, Chavez E, Melani RD, Fellers RT, LeDuc RD, Thomas PM, Martemyanov KA, Kelleher NL, Vafabakhsh R. Middle-Down Mass Spectrometry Reveals Activity-Modifying Phosphorylation Barcode in a Class C G Protein-Coupled Receptor. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:23104-23114. [PMID: 36475650 PMCID: PMC9785046 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane receptors in humans. They mediate nearly all aspects of human physiology and thus are of high therapeutic interest. GPCR signaling is regulated in space and time by receptor phosphorylation. It is believed that different phosphorylation states are possible for a single receptor, and each encodes for unique signaling outcomes. Methods to determine the phosphorylation status of GPCRs are critical for understanding receptor physiology and signaling properties of GPCR ligands and therapeutics. However, common proteomic techniques have provided limited quantitative information regarding total receptor phosphorylation stoichiometry, relative abundances of isomeric modification states, and temporal dynamics of these parameters. Here, we report a novel middle-down proteomic strategy and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) to quantify the phosphorylation states of the C-terminal tail of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2). By this approach, we found that mGluR2 is subject to both basal and agonist-induced phosphorylation at up to four simultaneous sites with varying probability. Using a PRM tandem mass spectrometry methodology, we localized the positions and quantified the relative abundance of phosphorylations following treatment with an agonist. Our analysis showed that phosphorylation within specific regions of the C-terminal tail of mGluR2 is sensitive to receptor activation, and subsequent site-directed mutagenesis of these sites identified key regions which tune receptor sensitivity. This study demonstrates that middle-down purification followed by label-free quantification is a powerful, quantitative, and accessible tool for characterizing phosphorylation states of GPCRs and other challenging proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley
N. Ives
- Department
of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208 United States
| | - Henry A. Dunn
- Department
of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States,Department
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University
of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0T6, Canada,Division
of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen
Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Hamid Samareh Afsari
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | | | - Max J. Foroutan
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Erica Chavez
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Rafael D. Melani
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States,National
Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Ryan T. Fellers
- National
Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Richard D. LeDuc
- National
Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Paul M. Thomas
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States,National
Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Kirill A. Martemyanov
- Department
of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Neil L. Kelleher
- Department
of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208 United States,Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States,National
Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Reza Vafabakhsh
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States,
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5
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Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Docking of Chimeric Peptides Targeting Opioid and NOP Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012700. [PMID: 36293553 PMCID: PMC9604311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, mixed opioid/NOP agonists came to the spotlight for their favorable functional profiles and promising outcomes in clinical trials as novel analgesics. This study reports on two novel chimeric peptides incorporating the fragment Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe]Asp-NH2 (RP-170), a cyclic peptide with high affinity for µ and κ opioid receptors (or MOP and KOP, respectively), conjugated with the peptide Ac-RYYRIK-NH2, a known ligand of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP), yielding RP-170-RYYRIK-NH2 (KW-495) and RP-170-Gly3-RYYRIK-NH2 (KW-496). In vitro, the chimeric KW-496 gained affinity for KOP, hence becoming a dual KOP/MOP agonist, while KW-495 behaved as a mixed MOP/NOP agonist with low nM affinity. Hence, KW-495 was selected for further in vivo experiments. Intrathecal administration of this peptide in mice elicited antinociceptive effects in the hot-plate test; this action was sensitive to both the universal opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and the selective NOP antagonist SB-612111. The rotarod test revealed that KW-495 administration did not alter the mice motor coordination performance. Computational studies have been conducted on the two chimeras to investigate the structural determinants at the basis of the experimental activities, including any role of the Gly3 spacer.
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6
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Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Argentieri M, Djeujo FM, Marzola E, Albanese V, Ruzza C, Guerrini R, Calo’ G, Molinari P. Pharmacology of Kappa Opioid Receptors: Novel Assays and Ligands. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873082. [PMID: 35529436 PMCID: PMC9068900 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873082] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the in vitro pharmacology of the human kappa opioid receptor using multiple assays, including calcium mobilization in cells expressing chimeric G proteins, the dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) label-free assay, and a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay that allows measurement of receptor interaction with G protein and β-arrestin 2. In all assays, dynorphin A, U-69,593, and [D-Pro10]dyn(1-11)-NH2 behaved as full agonists with the following rank order of potency [D-Pro10]dyn(1-11)-NH2 > dynorphin A ≥ U-69,593. [Dmt1,Tic2]dyn(1-11)-NH2 behaved as a moderate potency pure antagonist in the kappa-β-arrestin 2 interaction assay and as low efficacy partial agonist in the other assays. Norbinaltorphimine acted as a highly potent and pure antagonist in all assays except kappa-G protein interaction, where it displayed efficacy as an inverse agonist. The pharmacological actions of novel kappa ligands, namely the dynorphin A tetrameric derivative PWT2-Dyn A and the palmitoylated derivative Dyn A-palmitic, were also investigated. PWT2-Dyn A and Dyn A-palmitic mimicked dynorphin A effects in all assays showing similar maximal effects but 3–10 fold lower potency. In conclusion, in the present study, multiple in vitro assays for the kappa receptor have been set up and pharmacologically validated. In addition, PWT2-Dyn A and Dyn A-palmitic were characterized as potent full agonists; these compounds are worthy of further investigation in vivo for those conditions in which the activation of the kappa opioid receptor elicits beneficial effects e.g. pain and pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Davide Malfacini,
| | - Michela Argentieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francine M. Djeujo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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7
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Bilel S, Azevedo Neto J, Arfè R, Tirri M, Gaudio RM, Fantinati A, Bernardi T, Boccuto F, Marchetti B, Corli G, Serpelloni G, De-Giorgio F, Malfacini D, Trapella C, Calo' G, Marti M. In vitro and in vivo pharmaco-dynamic study of the novel fentanyl derivatives: Acrylfentanyl, Ocfentanyl and Furanylfentanyl. Neuropharmacology 2022; 209:109020. [PMID: 35247453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl derivatives (FENS) belongs to the class of Novel Synthetic Opioids that emerged in the illegal drug market of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These substances have been implicated in many cases of intoxication and death with overdose worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the pharmaco-dynamic profiles of three fentanyl (FENT) analogues: Acrylfentanyl (ACRYLF), Ocfentanyl (OCF) and Furanylfentanyl (FUF). In vitro, we measured FENS opioid receptor efficacy, potency, and selectivity in calcium mobilization studies performed in cells coexpressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins and their capability to promote the interaction of the mu receptor with G protein and β-arrestin 2 in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) studies. In vivo, we investigated the acute effects of the systemic administration of ACRYLF, OCF and FUF (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on mechanical and thermal analgesia, motor impairment, grip strength and cardiorespiratory changes in CD-1 male mice. Opioid receptor specificity was investigated in vivo using naloxone (NLX; 6 mg/kg i.p) pre-treatment. In vitro, the three FENS were able to activate the mu opioid receptor in a concentration dependent manner with following rank order potency: FUF > FENT=OCF > ACRYLF. All compounds were able to elicit maximal effects similar to that of dermorphin, with the exception of FUF which displayed lower maximal effects thus behaving as a partial agonist. In the BRET G-protein assay, all compounds behaved as partial agonists for the β-arrestin 2 pathway in comparison with dermorphin, whereas FUF did not promote β-arrestin 2 recruitment, behaving as an antagonist. In vivo, all the compounds increased mechanical and thermal analgesia with following rank order potency ACRYLF = FENT > FUF > OCF and impaired motor and cardiorespiratory parameters. Among the substances tested, FUF showed lower potency for cardiorespiratory and motor effects. These findings reveal the risks associated with the use of FENS and the importance of studying the pharmaco-dynamic properties of these drugs to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Gaudio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Neuroscience Clinical Center & TMS Unit Verona, Italy and Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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8
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Illuminati D, Fantinati A, De Ventura T, Perrone D, Sturaro C, Albanese V, Marzola E, Cristofori V, Oble J, Poli G, Trapella C. Synthesis of 2,6-Dimethyltyrosine-Like Amino Acids through Pinacolinamide-Enabled C-H Dimethylation of 4-Dibenzylamino Phenylalanine. J Org Chem 2022; 87:2580-2589. [PMID: 35138099 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c02527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of a small library of NH-Boc- or NH-Fmoc-protected l-phenylalanines carrying methyl groups at positions 2 and 6 and diverse functionalities at position 4 has been achieved. The approach, which took advantage of a Pd-catalyzed directed C-H dimethylation of picolinamide derivatives, allowed the electronic and steric properties of the resulting amino acid derivatives to be altered by appending a variety of electron-withdrawing, electron-donating, or bulky groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Illuminati
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, IPCM, Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziano De Ventura
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Virginia Cristofori
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Julie Oble
- Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, IPCM, Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Poli
- Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, IPCM, Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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9
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Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Computational Studies of Cyclic Opioid Peptidomimetics Containing β3-Lysine. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010151. [PMID: 35011383 PMCID: PMC8747000 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our formerly described pentapeptide opioid analog Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (designated RP-170), showing high affinity for the mu (MOR) and kappa (KOR) opioid receptors, was much more stable than endomorphine-2 (EM-2) in the rat brain homogenate and displayed remarkable antinociceptive activity after central (intracerebroventricular) and peripheral (intravenous ) administration. In this report, we describe the further modification of this analog, which includes the incorporation of a β3-amino acid, (R)- and (S)-β3-Lys, instead of D-Lys in position 2. The influence of such replacement on the biological properties of the obtained analogs, Tyr-c[(R)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (RP-171) and Tyr-c[(S)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, (RP-172), was investigated in vitro. Receptor radiolabeled displacement and functional calcium mobilization assays were performed to measure binding affinity and receptor activation of the new analogs. The obtained data revealed that only one of the diastereoisomeric peptides, RP-171, was able to selectively bind and activate MOR. Molecular modeling (docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations) suggests that both compounds should be accommodated in the MOR binding site. However, in the case of the inactive isomer RP-172, fewer hydrogen bonds, as well as instability of the canonical ionic interaction to Asp147, could explain its very low MOR affinity.
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10
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Gadais C, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, De Neve J, Martin C, Janecka A, Ballet S. Harnessing the Anti-Nociceptive Potential of NK2 and NK3 Ligands in the Design of New Multifunctional μ/δ-Opioid Agonist-Neurokinin Antagonist Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175406. [PMID: 34500841 PMCID: PMC8434392 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid agonists are well-established analgesics, widely prescribed for acute but also chronic pain. However, their efficiency comes with the price of drastically impacting side effects that are inherently linked to their prolonged use. To answer these liabilities, designed multiple ligands (DMLs) offer a promising strategy by co-targeting opioid and non-opioid signaling pathways involved in nociception. Despite being intimately linked to the Substance P (SP)/neurokinin 1 (NK1) system, which is broadly examined for pain treatment, the neurokinin receptors NK2 and NK3 have so far been neglected in such DMLs. Herein, a series of newly designed opioid agonist-NK2 or -NK3 antagonists is reported. A selection of reported peptidic, pseudo-peptidic, and non-peptide neurokinin NK2 and NK3 ligands were covalently linked to the peptidic μ-opioid selective pharmacophore Dmt-DALDA (H-Dmt-d-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2) and the dual μ/δ opioid agonist H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-βAla-NH2 (KGOP01). Opioid binding assays unequivocally demonstrated that only hybrids SBL-OPNK-5, SBL-OPNK-7 and SBL-OPNK-9, bearing the KGOP01 scaffold, conserved nanomolar range μ-opioid receptor (MOR) affinity, and slightly reduced affinity for the δ-opioid receptor (DOR). Moreover, NK binding experiments proved that compounds SBL-OPNK-5, SBL-OPNK-7, and SBL-OPNK-9 exhibited (sub)nanomolar binding affinity for NK2 and NK3, opening promising opportunities for the design of next-generation opioid hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Gadais
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
- Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, Equipe CORINT, UMR 6226, Université de Rennes 1, 2 Avenue du Pr. Léon Bernard, CEDEX, 35043 Rennes, France
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.B.); Tel.: +32-2-6293-292 (S.B.)
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.P.-C.); (A.J.)
| | - Jolien De Neve
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.P.-C.); (A.J.)
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Bioengineering Sciences and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.N.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.B.); Tel.: +32-2-6293-292 (S.B.)
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11
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Selective MOR activity of DAPEA and Endomorphin-2 analogues containing a (R)-γ-Freidinger lactam in position two. Bioorg Chem 2021; 115:105219. [PMID: 34343741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of α-amino-γ lactam of Freidinger (Agl) may serve as an impressive method to increase the biological stability of peptides and an appropriate tool to elucidate their structure-activity relationships. The endomorphin-2 (EM-2) and [D-Ala2, des-Leu5] enkephalin amide (DAPEA) are two linear opioid tetrapeptides agonists of MOR and MOR/DOR respectively. Herein, we investigated the influence of the incorporation of (R/S)-Agl in position 2 and 3 on the biological profile of the aforementioned products in vitro and in vivo. Receptor radiolabeled displacement and functional assays were used to measure in vitro the binding affinity and receptors activation of the novel analogues. The mouse tail flick and formalin tests allowed to observe their antinociceptive effect in vivo. Data revealed that peptide A2D was able to selectively bind and activate MOR with a potent antinociceptive effect after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration, performing better than the parent compounds EM-2 and DAPEA. Molecular docking calculations helped us to understand the key role exerted by the Freidinger Agl moiety in A2D for the interaction with the MOR binding pocket.
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12
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In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmaco-Toxicological Characterization of 1-Cyclohexyl-x-methoxybenzene Derivatives in Mice: Comparison with Tramadol and PCP. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147659. [PMID: 34299276 PMCID: PMC8306156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
1-cyclohexyl-x-methoxybenzene is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS), first discovered in Europe in 2012 as unknown racemic mixture of its three stereoisomers: ortho, meta and para. Each of these has structural similarities with the analgesic tramadol and the dissociative anesthetic phencyclidine. In light of these structural analogies, and based on the fact that both tramadol and phencyclidine are substances that cause toxic effects in humans, the aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic profile of these molecules, and to compare them with those caused by tramadol and phencyclidine. In vitro studies demonstrated that tramadol, ortho, meta and para were inactive at mu, kappa and delta opioid receptors. Systemic administration of the three stereoisomers impairs sensorimotor responses, modulates spontaneous motor activity, induces modest analgesia, and alters thermoregulation and cardiorespiratory responses in the mouse in some cases, with a similar profile to that of tramadol and phencyclidine. Naloxone partially prevents only the visual sensorimotor impairments caused by three stereoisomers, without preventing other effects. The present data show that 1-cyclohexyl-x-methoxybenzene derivatives cause pharmaco-toxicological effects by activating both opioid and non-opioid mechanisms and suggest that their use could potentially lead to abuse and bodily harm.
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13
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Pacifico S, Albanese V, Illuminati D, Marzola E, Fabbri M, Ferrari F, Holanda VAD, Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Ruzza C, Trapella C, Preti D, Lo Cascio E, Arcovito A, Della Longa S, Marangoni M, Fattori D, Nassini R, Calò G, Guerrini R. Novel Mixed NOP/Opioid Receptor Peptide Agonists. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6656-6669. [PMID: 33998786 PMCID: PMC8279409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)/N/OFQ receptor (NOP) system
controls different biological functions including pain and cough reflex.
Mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonists elicit similar effects to strong
opioids but with reduced side effects. In this work, 31 peptides with
the general sequence [Tyr/Dmt1,Xaa5]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 were synthesized and pharmacologically characterized for
their action at human recombinant NOP/opioid receptors. The best results
in terms of NOP versus mu opioid receptor potency were obtained by
substituting both Tyr1 and Thr5 at the N-terminal
portion of N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 with the noncanonical amino
acid Dmt. [Dmt1,5]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 has been identified
as the most potent dual NOP/mu receptor peptide agonist so far described.
Experimental data have been complemented by in silico studies to shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which the peptide
binds the active form of the mu receptor. Finally, the compound exerted
antitussive effects in an in vivo model of cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Illuminati
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Martina Fabbri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Victor A D Holanda
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti 2, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Ettore Lo Cascio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Roma 00168, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - Stefano Della Longa
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Pza S. Tommasi 1, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Martina Marangoni
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Davide Fattori
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti 2, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara 44121, Italy
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14
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Costanzini A, Ruzza C, Neto JA, Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Sternini C, De Giorgio R, Calò G. Pharmacological characterization of naloxegol: In vitro and in vivo studies. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 903:174132. [PMID: 33933466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Opioid-induced constipation is the most prevalent adverse effect of opioid drugs. Peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs), including naloxegol, are indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. The aim of this study was the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of naloxegol in comparison with naloxone. In vitro experiments were performed to measure calcium mobilization in cells coexpressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins and mu receptor interaction with G protein and β-arrestin 2 using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. In vivo experiments were performed in mice to measure pain threshold using the tail withdrawal assay and colonic transit using the bead expulsion assay. In vitro, naloxegol behaved as a selective and competitive mu receptor antagonist similarly to naloxone, being 3-10-fold less potent. In vivo, naloxone was effective in blocking fentanyl actions when given subcutaneously (sc), but not per os (po). In contrast, naloxegol elicited very similar effects with sc or po administration counteracting in a dose dependent manner the constipating effects of fentanyl without interfering with the fentanyl mediated analgesia. Thus, a useful PAMORA action could be obtained with naloxegol both after po and sc administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Costanzini
- Department Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Catia Sternini
- Digestive Disease Division, Departments of Medicine and Neurobiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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15
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Design, Synthesis and Functional Analysis of Cyclic Opioid Peptides with Dmt-Tic Pharmacophore. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184260. [PMID: 32957550 PMCID: PMC7570497 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid receptors are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and are known to modulate a variety of biological functions, including pain perception. Despite considerable advances, the mechanisms by which opioid agonists and antagonists interact with their receptors and exert their effect are still not completely understood. In this report, six new hybrids of the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore and cyclic peptides, which were shown before to have a high affinity for the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) were synthesized and characterized pharmacologically in calcium mobilization functional assays. All obtained ligands turned out to be selective antagonists of the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and did not activate or block the MOR. The three-dimensional structural determinants responsible for the DOR antagonist properties of these analogs were further investigated by docking studies. The results indicate that these compounds attach to the DOR in a slightly different orientation with respect to the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore than Dmt-TicΨ[CH2-NH]Phe-Phe-NH2 (DIPP-NH2[Ψ]), a prototypical DOR antagonist peptide. Key pharmacophoric contacts between the DOR and the ligands were maintained through an analogous spatial arrangement of pharmacophores, which could provide an explanation for the predicted high-affinity binding and the experimentally observed functional properties of the novel synthetic ligands.
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16
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Murineddu G, Asproni B, Corona P, Gessi S, Merighi S, Battistello E, Sturaro C, Calò G, Galeotti N, Temml V, Herdlinger S, Schuster D, Pinna GA. Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of a novel class of sulfur-bridged diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes. Bioorg Chem 2020; 102:104072. [PMID: 32693307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104072] [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: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A small library of 3-thia-7,9-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes was synthesized and their opioid receptors affinity and selectivity evaluated. Among these novel sulfur-bridged compounds, the (E) 9-[3'-(3-chlorophenyl)-but-2'-en-1'-yl]-7-propionyl-3-thia-7,9-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane 2i emerged as the derivative with the highest μ receptor affinity (Ki = 85 nM) and selectivity (Ki μ/δ = 58.8, Ki μ/κ > 117.6). The antinociceptive activity of 2i was also evaluated in acute thermal pain. Docking studies disclosed the specific pattern of interactions of these derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Murineddu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Battistina Asproni
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Corona
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrica Battistello
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Veronika Temml
- Department of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sonja Herdlinger
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gerard A Pinna
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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17
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Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Lipiński PFJ, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Pharmacological Profile and Molecular Modeling of Cyclic Opioid Analogues Incorporating Various Phenylalanine Derivatives. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1322-1329. [PMID: 32412162 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based agonists of the μ opioid receptor (μOR) are promising therapeutic candidates for pain relief with reduced side effects compared to morphine. A deep understanding of μOR-ligand interactions is necessary for future design of peptide-based opioid analgesics. To explore the requirements of the μOR binding pocket, eight new analogues of our cyclic peptide Tyr-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 displaying high μOR affinity were synthesized, in which Phe in either the third or fourth position was replaced by various derivatives of this amino acid (β3 -Phe, homoPhe, β3 -homoPhe and PhGly). The aim of this research was to examine the structural effects of such modifications on the bioactivity, and both experimental and theoretical methods were used. The binding of the cyclic analogues to all three OR types (μ, δ, κ) was assessed by radioligand competitive binding assay, and their functional activity was determined in a calcium mobilization assay. In order to provide structural hypotheses explaining the obtained experimental affinities, the complexes of the cyclic peptides with μOR were subjected to molecular modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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18
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Bilel S, Azevedo NJ, Arfè R, Tirri M, Gregori A, Serpelloni G, De-Giorgio F, Frisoni P, Neri M, Calò G, Marti M. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the synthetic opioid MT-45. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108110. [PMID: 32344007 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
MT-45 is a synthetic opioid that was developed in the 1970s as an analgesic compound. However, in recent years MT-45 has been associated with multiple deaths in Europe and has been included in the class of novel psychoactive substances known as novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). Little is known about the pharmaco-toxicological effects of MT-45. Therefore, we used a dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay to investigate the pharmacodynamic profile of this NSO in vitro compared with morphine. We then used in vivo studies to investigate the effect of the acute systemic administration of MT-45 (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on motor and sensorimotor (visual, acoustic and tactile) responses, mechanical and thermal analgesia, muscle strength and body temperature in CD-1 male mice. Higher doses of MT-45 (6-30 mg/kg i.p.) were used to investigate cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2 saturation and pulse distention). All effects of MT-45 were compared with those of morphine. In vitro DMR assay results demonstrated that at human recombinant opioid receptors MT-45 behaves as a potent selective mu agonist with a slightly higher efficacy than morphine. In vivo results showed that MT-45 progressively induces tail elevation at the lowest dose tested (0.01 mg/kg), increased mechanical and thermal antinociception (starting from 1 to 6 mg/kg), decreased visual sensorimotor responses (starting from 3 to 6 mg/kg) and reduced tactile responses, modulated motor performance and induced muscle rigidity at higher doses (15 mg/kg). In addition, at higher doses (15-30 mg/kg) MT-45 impaired the cardiorespiratory functions. All effects were prevented by the administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These findings reveal the risks associated with the ingestion of opioids and the importance of studying these drugs and undertaking more clinical studies of the current molecules to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bilel
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - N J Azevedo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - R Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Gregori
- Carabinieri, Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), 00191, Rome, Italy
| | - G Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - F De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - P Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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19
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Ferrari F, Rizzo S, Ruzza C, Calo G. Detailed In Vitro Pharmacological Characterization of the Clinically Viable Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor Antagonist BTRX-246040. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 373:34-43. [PMID: 31937563 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.262865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the natural ligand of the N/OFQ receptor (NOP), which is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system. Selective NOP antagonists are worthy of testing as innovative drugs to treat depression, Parkinson disease, and drug abuse. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed in vitro characterization of BTRX-246040 (also known as LY2940094, [2-[4-[(2-chloro-4,4-difluoro-spiro[5H-thieno[2,3-c]pyran-7,4'-piperidine]-1'-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-pyridyl]methanol), a novel NOP antagonist that has been already studied in humans. BTRX-246040 has been tested in vitro in the following assays: calcium mobilization in cells expressing NOP and classic opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay measuring NOP interaction with G proteins and β-arrestins, the label-free dynamic mass redistribution assay, and the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens. BTRX-246040 was systematically compared with the standard NOP antagonist SB-612111. In all assays, BTRX-246040 behaves as a pure and selective antagonist at human recombinant and murine native NOP receptors displaying 3-10-fold higher potency than the standard antagonist SB-612111. BTRX-246040 is an essential pharmacological tool to further investigate the therapeutic potential of NOP antagonists in preclinical and clinical studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NOP antagonists may be innovative antidepressant drugs. In this research, the novel clinically viable NOP antagonist BTRX-246040 has been deeply characterized in vitro in a panel of assays. BTRX-246040 resulted a pure, potent, and selective NOP antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (F.F., S.R., C.R., G.C.) and Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy (C.R.)
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20
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Wtorek K, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Ferrari F, Ruzza C, Kluczyk A, Piasecka-Zelga J, Calo’ G, Janecka A. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Hybrids Targeting Opioid and Neurokinin Receptors. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244460. [PMID: 31817441 PMCID: PMC6943619 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine, which acts through opioid receptors, is one of the most efficient analgesics for the alleviation of severe pain. However, its usefulness is limited by serious side effects, including analgesic tolerance, constipation, and dependence liability. The growing awareness that multifunctional ligands which simultaneously activate two or more targets may produce a more desirable drug profile than selectively targeted compounds has created an opportunity for a new approach to developing more effective medications. Here, in order to better understand the role of the neurokinin system in opioid-induced antinociception, we report the synthesis, structure–activity relationship, and pharmacological characterization of a series of hybrids combining opioid pharmacophores with either substance P (SP) fragments or neurokinin receptor (NK1) antagonist fragments. On the bases of the in vitro biological activities of the hybrids, two analogs, opioid agonist/NK1 antagonist Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]-Asn-d-Trp-Phe-d-Trp-Leu-Nle-NH2 (2) and opioid agonist/NK1 agonist Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 (4), were selected for in vivo tests. In the writhing test, both hybrids showed significant an antinociceptive effect in mice, while neither of them triggered the development of tolerance, nor did they produce constipation. No statistically significant differences in in vivo activity profiles were observed between opioid/NK1 agonist and opioid/NK1 antagonist hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Piasecka-Zelga
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products in the GMP Head of Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products, 91-348 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (C.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.W.); (A.A.-B.); (J.P.-C.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Pacifico S, Albanese V, Illuminati D, Fantinati A, Marzola E, Ferrari F, Neto JA, Sturaro C, Ruzza C, Calò G, Preti D, Guerrini R. Tetrabranched Hetero-Conjugated Peptides as Bifunctional Agonists of the NOP and Mu Opioid Receptors. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2444-2451. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Davide Illuminati
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
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22
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Wtorek K, Artali R, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Koszuk J, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Janecka A. Endomorphin-2 analogs containing modified tyrosines: Biological and theoretical investigation of the influence on conformation and pharmacological profile. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:527-536. [PMID: 31276897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
New analogs of the endogenous opioid agonist endomorphin-2 (EM-2, H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) have been obtained by introducing modified tyrosines at the position 1 of the sequence. For all analogs, the cis/trans conformation ratio about the tyramine-Pro amide bond, lipophilicity, receptor affinities, and functional activities, have been determined. Among the novel derivatives, [Dmt(3'-Cl)]1EM-2 (4) stood out for its subnanomolar μ-opioid receptor affinity and potent agonist activity, superior to that of the parent peptide EM-2. Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics docking computations supported the cis tyramine-Pro bioactive conformation, and allowed us to analyze the contribution of the substituents of the "message" tyramine to binding, highlighting the role of halogen-bonding in the higher receptor affinity of peptide 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Roberto Artali
- Scientia Advice, di Roberto Artali, 20832, Desio, Monza and Brianza, Italy
| | | | - Jacek Koszuk
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
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23
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Ruzza C, Holanda VA, Gavioli EC, Trapella C, Calo G. NOP agonist action of cebranopadol counteracts its liability to promote physical dependence. Peptides 2019; 112:101-105. [PMID: 30550769 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cebranopadol is a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist currently under development as innovative analgesic. In this study the liability of cebranopadol to produce opioid-type physical dependence has been evaluated in comparison with morphine in wild type mice and in mice knockout for the NOP receptor gene (NOP(-/-)). Mice were treated twice a day for 5 days with increasing doses of cebranopadol or morphine (cumulative doses 10.2 and 255 mg/kg, respectively) and the number of jumping in response to naloxone 10 mg/kg were measured after 2 h from the last injection. In wild type mice naloxone evoked a similar withdrawal jumping behavior in animal pretreated with morphine or cebranopadol. In NOP(-/-) mice morphine treatment produced the same signs of withdrawal as in NOP(+/+) animals, while cebranopadol treatment elicited a stronger withdrawal syndrome in NOP(-/-) than of NOP(+/+) mice. These results demonstrated that the activation of the NOP receptor reduces the liability of cebranopadol to produce opioid-like physical dependence. Thus, the simultaneous activation of NOP and opioid receptors can be an effective pharmacological strategy to counteract physical dependence to opioid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Victor A Holanda
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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24
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Bird MF, Guerrini R, Willets JM, Thompson JP, Caló G, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) conjugated to ATTO594: a novel fluorescent probe for the N/OFQ (NOP) receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4496-4506. [PMID: 30276802 PMCID: PMC6255954 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) is a member of the opioid receptor family and is involved in a number of physiological responses, pain and immune regulation as examples. In this study, we conjugated a red fluorophore-ATTO594 to the peptide ligand N/OFQ (N/OFQATTO594 ) for the NOP receptor and explored NOP receptor function at high (in recombinant systems) and low (on immune cells) expression. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed N/OFQATTO594 receptor binding, selectivity and functional activity in recombinant (CHO) cell lines. Live cell N/OFQATTO594 binding was measured in (i) HEK cells expressing NOP and NOPGFP receptors, (ii) CHO cells expressing the hNOPGαqi5 chimera (to force coupling to measurable Ca2+ responses) and (iii) freshly isolated human polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). KEY RESULTS N/OFQATTO594 bound to NOP receptor with nM affinity and high selectivity. N/OFQATTO594 activated NOP receptor by reducing cAMP formation and increasing Ca2+ levels in CHOhNOPGαqi5 cells. N/OFQATTO594 was also able to visualize NOP receptors at low expression levels on PMN cells. In NOP-GFP-tagged receptors, N/OFQATTO594 was used in a FRET protocol where GFP emission activated ATTO, visualizing ligand-receptor interaction. When the NOPGFP receptor is activated by N/OFQATTO594 , movement of ligand and receptor from the cell surface to the cytosol can be measured. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In the absence of validated NOP receptor antibodies and issues surrounding the use of radiolabels (especially in low expression systems), these data indicate the utility of N/OFQATTO594 to study a wide range of N/OFQ-driven cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - R Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTAUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - J M Willets
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - J P Thompson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - G Caló
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
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25
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Gach-Janczak K, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Wtorek K, Ferrari F, Calo' G, Szymaszkiewicz A, Piasecka-Zelga J, Janecka A. In vitro and in vivo activity of cyclopeptide Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH 2, a mu opioid receptor agonist biased toward β-arrestin. Peptides 2018; 105:51-57. [PMID: 29684591 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Morphine and related drugs, which are the most effective analgesics for the relief of severe pain, act through activating opioid receptors. The endogenous ligands of these receptors are opioid peptides which cannot be used as antinociceptive agents due to their low bioactivity and stability in biological fluids. The major goal of opioid research is to understand the mechanism of action of opioid receptor agonists in order to improve therapeutic utility of opioids. Analgesic effects of morphine are mediated mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor. However, in the search for safer and more effective drug candidates, analogs with mixed opioid receptor profile gained a lot of interest. Recently, the concept of biased agonists able to differentially activate GPCR downstream pathways, became a new approach in the design of novel drug candidates. It is hypothesized that compounds promoting G-protein signaling may produce analgesia while β-arrestin recruitment may be responsible for opioid side effects. In this report we showed that replacement of the tyrosine residue in the mu-selective ligand Tyr-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 with 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) produced a cyclopeptide Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 with mu/delta opioid receptor agonist profile. This analog showed improved antinociception in the hot-plate test, probably due to the simultaneous activation of mu and delta receptors but also significantly inhibited the gastrointestinal transit. Using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay it was shown that this analog was a mu receptor agonist biased toward β-arrestin. β-Arrestin-dependent signaling is most likely responsible for the observed inhibition of gastrointestinal motility exerted by the novel cyclopeptide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Agata Szymaszkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Piasecka-Zelga
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products in the GMP Head of Research Laboratory for Medicine and Veterinary Products, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland.
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26
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Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of (-)- cis- N-Normetazocine-Based LP1 Derivatives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020040. [PMID: 29734749 PMCID: PMC6027146 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(−)-cis-N-Normetazocine represents a rigid scaffold able to mimic the tyramine moiety of endogenous opioid peptides, and the introduction of different N-substituents influences affinity and efficacy of respective ligands at MOR (mu opioid receptor), DOR (delta opioid receptor), and KOR (kappa opioid receptor). We have previously identified LP1, a MOR/DOR multitarget opioid ligand, with an N-phenylpropanamido substituent linked to (−)-cis-N-Normetazocine scaffold. Herein, we report the synthesis, competition binding and calcium mobilization assays of new compounds 10⁻16 that differ from LP1 by the nature of the N-substituent. In radioligand binding experiments, the compounds 10⁻13, featured by an electron-withdrawing or electron-donating group in the para position of phenyl ring, displayed improved affinity for KOR (Ki = 0.85⁻4.80 μM) in comparison to LP1 (7.5 μM). On the contrary, their MOR and DOR affinities were worse (Ki = 0.18⁻0.28 μM and Ki = 0.38⁻1.10 μM, respectively) with respect to LP1 values (Ki = 0.049 and 0.033 μM). Analogous trends was recorded for the compounds 14⁻16, featured by indoline, tetrahydroquinoline, and diphenylamine functionalities in the N-substituent. In calcium mobilization assays, the compound 10 with a p-fluorophenyl in the N-substituent shared the functional profile of LP1 (pEC50MOR = 7.01), although it was less active. Moreover, the p-methyl- (11) and p-cyano- (12) substituted compounds resulted in MOR partial agonists and DOR/KOR antagonists. By contrast, the derivatives 13⁻15 resulted as MOR antagonists, and the derivative 16 as a MOR/KOR antagonist (pKBMOR = 6.12 and pKBKOR = 6.11). Collectively, these data corroborated the critical role of the N-substituent in (−)-cis-N-Normetazocine scaffold. Thus, the new synthesized compounds could represent a template to achieve a specific agonist, antagonist, or mixed agonist/antagonist functional profile.
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27
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Ferrari F, Calo' G, Janecka A. Cyclopeptide Dmt-[D-Lys-p-CF 3-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH 2, a novel G protein-biased agonist of the mu opioid receptor. Peptides 2018; 101:227-233. [PMID: 29196181 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Opioid peptides and alkaloid drugs such as morphine, mediate their analgesic effects, but also undesired side effects, mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. A new important pharmacological concept in the field of GPCRs is biased agonism. Two mu receptor ligands, Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (C-36) and Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-p-CF3-Phe-Asp]NH2 (F-81), were evaluated in terms of their ability to promote or block mu receptor/G protein and mu receptor/β-arrestin interactions. Using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay it was shown that C-36 activated both, G protein and β-arrestin pathways. Incorporation of trifluoromethyl group into the aromatic ring of phenylalanine in the sequence of F-81 led to activation of G-protein pathway rather than β-arrestin recruitment. Opioid cyclopeptide F-81 turned out to be a biased G protein mu receptor agonist. Such biased ligands are able to separate the biological actions of an activated receptor and have the potential to become more effective drug candidates with fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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28
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Calo' G, Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Ferrari F, Pacifico S, Gavioli EC, Salvadori S, Guerrini R. Peptide welding technology - A simple strategy for generating innovative ligands for G protein coupled receptors. Peptides 2018; 99:195-204. [PMID: 29031796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on their high selectivity of action and low toxicity, naturally occurring peptides have great potential in terms of drug development. However, the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, in particular their half life, are poor. Among different strategies developed for reducing susceptibility to peptidases, and thus increasing the duration of action of peptides, the generation of branched peptides has been described. However, the synthesis and purification of branched peptides are extremely complicated thus limiting their druggability. Here we present a novel and facile synthesis of tetrabranched peptides acting as GPCR ligands and their in vitro and vivo pharmacological characterization. Tetrabranched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), N/OFQ related peptides, opioid peptides, tachykinins, and neuropeptide S were generated with the strategy named peptide welding technology (PWT) and characterized by high yield and purity of the desired final product. In general, PWT derivatives displayed a pharmacological profile similar to that of the natural sequence in terms of affinity, pharmacological activity, potency, and selectivity of action in vitro. More importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that PWT peptides are characterized by increased potency associated with long lasting duration of action. In conclusion, PWT derivatives of biologically active peptides can be viewed as innovative pharmacological tools for investigating those conditions and states in which selective and prolonged receptor stimulation promotes beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo'
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
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29
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Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Borics A, Tömböly C, Dvorácskó S, Lisowski M, Kluczyk A, Wołczański G, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Janecka A. Synthesis, receptor binding studies, optical spectroscopic and in silico structural characterization of morphiceptin analogs with cis-4-amino-L-proline residues. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:864-870. [PMID: 29110363 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Three novel morphiceptin analogs, in which Pro in position 2 and/or 4 was replaced by cis-4-aminoproline connected with the preceding amino acid through the primary amino group, were synthesized. The opioid receptor affinities, functional assay results, enzymatic degradation studies and experimental and in silico structural analysis of such analogs are presented. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Attila Borics
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Marek Lisowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Wołczański
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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30
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Gach-Janczak K, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Perlikowska R, Kruszyński R, Kluczyk A, Krzywik J, Sukiennik J, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Wasilewski A, Zielińska M, Janecka A. Synthesis and activity of opioid peptidomimetics with β 2- and β 3-amino acids. Peptides 2017; 95:116-123. [PMID: 28782637 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Morphiceptin (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro-NH2) is a selective ligand of the mu opioid receptor, an important target in pain regulation. In this study, morphiceptin was modified at positions 2 or 3 by introduction of β2- or β3-amino acids and additionally in position 1 by replacing Tyr by Dmt (2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), which resulted in obtaining enzymatically stable analogs with mixed opioid receptor affinity profiles. An analog of the sequence Dmt-d-Ala-(R)-β2-1-Nal-Pro-NH2 [Nal=3-(1-naphthyl)-alanine] showed very high activity at the mu and delta receptors in the calcium mobilization functional test but did not cross the artificial membrane imitating the blood-brain barrier. In the in vivo test this analog induced strong antinociceptive effect in the writhing test in mice after intraperitioneal but also oral administration and inhibited diarrhea similarly to loperamide. Therefore, it may become an interesting lead compound in the development of peripherally restricted drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rafał Kruszyński
- Department of X-ray Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrzej Wasilewski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Zielińska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Lodz, Poland.
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31
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Ferrari F, Malfacini D, Journigan BV, Bird MF, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Lambert DG, Calo' G, Zaveri NT. In vitro pharmacological characterization of a novel unbiased NOP receptor-selective nonpeptide agonist AT-403. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2017; 5. [PMID: 28805972 PMCID: PMC5684865 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) regulates several biological functions via selective activation of the N/OFQ receptor (NOP), a member of the opioid receptor family. We recently identified a new high affinity and highly selective NOP agonist AT-403. In this study, we characterized the functional profile of AT-403 and compared it to other known nonpeptide NOP agonists Ro 65-6570, Ro 2q, SCH-221510, MCOPPB, AT-202 and SCH-486757, using the following assays: GTPγ[35 S] stimulated binding, calcium mobilization assay in cells-expressing human NOP or classical opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) based assay for studying NOP receptor interaction with G protein and arrestin, and the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens bioassay. All compounds behaved as NOP full agonists consistently showing the following rank order of potency MCOPPB > AT-403 > Ro 65-6570 = Ro 2q > SCH-221510 > AT-202 > SCH-486757. AT-403 and MCOPPB displayed the highest NOP selectivity both at human and murine receptors. Interestingly, while all the other nonpeptide NOP agonists displayed bias toward G protein-mediated signaling in the BRET assay, AT-403, similar to the natural ligand N/OFQ, behaved as an unbiased agonist, activating G-protein-mediated function as well as arrestin recruitment. AT-403 may be a useful nonpeptide tool compound to study the pharmacology of NOP activation in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ferrari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Blair V Journigan
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC. 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, California
| | - Mark F Bird
- Division of Anaesthesia, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - David G Lambert
- Division of Anaesthesia, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC. 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, California
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Fantinati A, Bianco S, Guerrini R, Salvadori S, Pacifico S, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Trapella C. A diastereoselective synthesis of Cebranopadol, a novel analgesic showing NOP/mu mixed agonism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2416. [PMID: 28546566 PMCID: PMC5445067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A diastereoselective synthesis of the title compound as a single E diastereomer has been efficiently accomplished by assembling the featured pyrano-indole scaffold of the spiro[cyclohexane-dihydropyrano[3,4-b]-indole]-amine framework through an oxa-Pictet-Spengler reaction, promoted by a cheap and green Zeolite catalyst. Basic pharmacological experiments demonstrate that Cebranopadol acts as a mixed nociception/orphanin FQ (NOP) and mu (MOP) opioid receptor agonist useful for treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Bianco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Janecka A, Szabó MR, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Kluczyk A, Tömböly C, Borics A. Cyclic mu-opioid receptor ligands containing multiple N-methylated amino acid residues. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:1644-1648. [PMID: 28318942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study we report the in vitro activities of four cyclic opioid peptides with various sequence length/macrocycle size and N-methylamino acid residue content. N-Methylated amino acids were incorporated and cyclization was employed to enhance conformational rigidity to various extent. The effect of such modifications on ligand structure and binding properties were studied. The pentapeptide containing one endocyclic and one exocyclic N-methylated amino acid displayed the highest affinity to the mu-opioid receptor. This peptide was also shown to be a full agonist, while the other analogs failed to activate the mu opioid receptor. Results of molecular docking studies provided rationale for the explanation of binding properties on a structural basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Márton Richárd Szabó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Attila Borics
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary.
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Pharmacological studies on the NOP and opioid receptor agonist PWT2-[Dmt 1]N/OFQ(1-13). Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 794:115-126. [PMID: 27871910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An innovative chemical strategy named peptide welding technology (PWT) has been developed for the facile synthesis of tetrabranched peptides. [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 acts as a universal agonist for nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and classical opioid receptors. The present study investigated the pharmacological profile of the PWT derivative of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 (PWT2-[Dmt1]) in several assays in vitro and in vivo after spinal administration in monkeys subjected to the tail withdrawal assay. PWT2-[Dmt1] mimicked the effects of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 displaying full agonist activity, similar affinity/potency and selectivity at human recombinant N/OFQ (NOP) and opioid receptors in receptor binding, stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding, calcium mobilization in cells expressing chimeric G proteins, and BRET studies for measuring receptor/G-protein and receptor/β-arrestin 2 interaction. In vivo in monkeys PWT2-[Dmt1] elicited dose-dependent and robust antinociceptive effects being more potent and longer lasting than [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2. The analgesic action of PWT2-[Dmt1] was sensitive to the NOP receptor antagonist J-113397, but not naltrexone. Thus, the present study demonstrated that the tetrabranched derivative of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 obtained with the PWT technology maintains the in vitro pharmacological profile of the parent peptide but displays higher potency and longer lasting action in vivo.
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Ferrari F, Cerlesi MC, Malfacini D, Asth L, Gavioli EC, Journigan BV, Kamakolanu UG, Meyer ME, Yasuda D, Polgar WE, Rizzi A, Guerrini R, Ruzza C, Zaveri NT, Calo G. In vitro functional characterization of novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor agonists in recombinant and native preparations. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 793:1-13. [PMID: 27780725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) regulates several biological functions via selective activation of the N/OFQ receptor (NOP). In this study novel nonpeptide NOP ligands were characterized in vitro in receptor binding and [35S]GTPγS stimulated binding in membranes of cells expressing human NOP and classical opioid receptors, calcium mobilization assay in cells coexpressing the receptors and chimeric G proteins, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) based assay for studying NOP receptor interaction with G protein and arrestin, the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens and the mouse colon bioassays. The action of the AT compounds were compared with standard NOP agonists (N/OFQ and Ro 65-6570) and the NOP selective antagonist SB-612111. AT compounds displayed high NOP affinity and behaved as NOP agonists in all the functional assays consistently showing the following rank order of potency AT-127≥AT-090≥AT-035>AT-004= AT-001. AT compounds behaved as NOP full agonists in the calcium mobilization and mouse colon assays and as partial agonists in the [35S]GTPγS and BRET assays. Interestingly AT-090 and AT-127, contrary to standard nonpeptide agonists that display G protein biased agonism, behaved as an unbiased agonists. AT-090 and AT-127 displayed higher NOP selectivity than Ro 65-6570 at native mouse receptors. AT-090 and AT-127 might be useful pharmacological tools for investigating the therapeutic potential of NOP partial agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ferrari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laila Asth
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | - Michael E Meyer
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC. 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Dennis Yasuda
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC. 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Willma E Polgar
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Girolamo Calo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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Rizzi A, Cerlesi MC, Ruzza C, Malfacini D, Ferrari F, Bianco S, Costa T, Guerrini R, Trapella C, Calo' G. Pharmacological characterization of cebranopadol a novel analgesic acting as mixed nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor agonist. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016; 4:e00247. [PMID: 28116100 PMCID: PMC5242173 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of cebranopadol, a novel agonist for opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptors (NOP). In vitro cebranopadol was assayed in calcium mobilization studies in cells coexpressing NOP or opioid receptors and chimeric G‐proteins and in a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay for studying receptor interaction with G‐protein and β‐arrestin 2. The mouse tail withdrawal and formalin tests were used for investigating cebranopadol antinociceptive properties. In calcium mobilization studies cebranopadol showed the following rank order of potency NOP = mu > kappa ≥ delta. In BRET studies, cebranopadol promoted NOP and mu receptors interaction with G‐protein with similar high potency and efficacy. However, cebranopadol did not stimulated NOP–β‐arrestin 2 interactions and displayed reduced potency at mu/β‐arrestin 2. In vivo, cebranopadol exhibits highly potent and extremely long‐lasting antinociceptive effects. The effects of cebranopadol in the tail withdrawal assay were sensitive to both SB‐612111 and naloxone. Collectively the present results confirm and extend previous finding demonstrating that cebranopadol, by acting as mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist, elicits robust analgesic effects in different pain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Sara Bianco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- Department of Pharmacology Istituto Superiore di Sanita' Rome Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
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Bird MF, Cerlesi MC, Brown M, Malfacini D, Vezzi V, Molinari P, Micheli L, Mannelli LDC, Ghelardini C, Guerrini R, Calò G, Lambert DG. Characterisation of the Novel Mixed Mu-NOP Peptide Ligand Dermorphin-N/OFQ (DeNo). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156897. [PMID: 27272042 PMCID: PMC4896453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid receptors are currently classified as Mu (μ), Delta (δ), Kappa (κ) plus the opioid related nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP). Despite compelling evidence for interactions and benefits of targeting more than one receptor type in producing analgesia, clinical ligands are Mu agonists. In this study we have designed a Mu-NOP agonist named DeNo. The Mu agonist component is provided by dermorphin, a peptide isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa frogs and the NOP component by the endogenous agonist N/OFQ. METHODS We have assessed receptor binding profile of DeNo and compared with dermorphin and N/OFQ. In a series of functional screens we have assessed the ability to (i) increase Ca2+ in cells coexpressing recombinant receptors and a the chimeric protein Gαqi5, (ii) stimulate the binding of GTPγ[35S], (iii) inhibit cAMP formation, (iv) activate MAPKinase, (v) stimulate receptor-G protein and arrestin interaction using BRET, (vi) electrically stimulated guinea pig ileum (gpI) assay and (vii) ability to produce analgesia via the intrathecal route in rats. RESULTS DeNo bound to Mu (pKi; 9.55) and NOP (pKi; 10.22) and with reasonable selectivity. This translated to increased Ca2+ in Gαqi5 expressing cells (pEC50 Mu 7.17; NOP 9.69), increased binding of GTPγ[35S] (pEC50 Mu 7.70; NOP 9.50) and receptor-G protein interaction in BRET (pEC50 Mu 8.01; NOP 9.02). cAMP formation was inhibited and arrestin was activated (pEC50 Mu 6.36; NOP 8.19). For MAPK DeNo activated p38 and ERK1/2 at Mu but only ERK1/2 at NOP. In the gpI DeNO inhibited electrically-evoked contractions (pEC50 8.63) that was sensitive to both Mu and NOP antagonists. DeNo was antinociceptive in rats. CONCLUSION Collectively these data validate the strategy used to create a novel bivalent Mu-NOP peptide agonist by combining dermorphin (Mu) and N/OFQ (NOP). This molecule behaves essentially as the parent compounds in vitro. In the antonocicoeptive assays employed in this study DeNo displays only weak antinociceptive properties.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cricetulus
- Guinea Pigs
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Opioid Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/chemical synthesis
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Opioid/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Nociceptin Receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F. Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vanessa Vezzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- Department of Pharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health—Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Piekielna J, De Marco R, Gentilucci L, Cerlesi MC, Calo' G, Tömböly C, Artali R, Janecka A. Redoubling the ring size of an endomorphin-2 analog transforms a centrally acting mu-opioid receptor agonist into a pure peripheral analgesic. Biopolymers 2016; 106:309-17. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Medical University of Lodz; Lodz Poland
| | - Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician,”; University of Bologna; via Selmi 2 Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician,”; University of Bologna; via Selmi 2 Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology; National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara; Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology; National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara; Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry; Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences; Szeged Hungary
| | - Roberto Artali
- Di Roberto Artali; Scientia Advice; Desio MB 20832 Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Medical University of Lodz; Lodz Poland
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Synthesis, biological evaluation and structural analysis of novel peripherally active morphiceptin analogs. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:1582-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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40
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Piekielna J, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Cerlesi MC, Calo' G, Tomböly C, Łapiński K, Janecki T, Janecka A. Ring size in cyclic endomorphin-2 analogs modulates receptor binding affinity and selectivity. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 13:6039-46. [PMID: 25948019 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00565e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The study reports the solid-phase synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new side chain-to-side chain cyclized opioid peptide analogs of the general structure Tyr-[D-Xaa-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, where Xaa = Lys (1), Orn (2), Dab (3), or Dap (4) (Dab = 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, Dap = 2,3-diaminopropionic acid), containing 17- to 14-membered rings. The influence of the ring size on binding to the MOP, DOP and KOP opioid receptors was studied. In general, the reduction of the size of the macrocyclic ring increased the selectivity for the MOP receptor. The cyclopeptide incorporating Xaa = Lys displayed subnanomolar MOP affinity but modest selectivity over the KOP receptor, while the analog with the Orn residue showed increased affinity and selectivity for MOP. The analog with Dab was a weak MOP agonist and did not bind to the other two opioid receptors. Finally, the peptide with Xaa = Dap was completely MOP receptor-selective with subnanomolar affinity. Interestingly, the deletion of one Phe residue from 1 led to the 14-membered Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 (5), a potent and selective MOP receptor ligand. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in a calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A good correlation between binding and the functional test results was observed. The influence of the ring size, solid support and the N-terminal protecting group on the formation of cyclodimers was studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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41
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Perlikowska R, Piekielna J, Gentilucci L, De Marco R, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Artali R, Tömböly C, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Synthesis of mixed MOR/KOR efficacy cyclic opioid peptide analogs with antinociceptive activity after systemic administration. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 109:276-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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42
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Rizzi A, Malfacini D, Cerlesi MC, Ruzza C, Marzola E, Bird MF, Rowbotham DJ, Salvadori S, Guerrini R, Lambert DG, Calo G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of nociceptin/orphanin FQ tetrabranched derivatives. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:4138-53. [PMID: 24903280 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE An innovative chemical approach, named peptide welding technology (PWT), allows the synthesis of multibranched peptides with extraordinary high yield, purity and reproducibility. With this approach, three different tetrabranched derivatives of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) have been synthesized and named PWT1-N/OFQ, PWT2-N/OFQ and PWT3-N/OFQ. In the present study we investigated the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of PWT N/OFQ derivatives and compared their actions with those of the naturally occurring peptide. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The following in vitro assays were used: receptor and [(35)S]-GTPγS binding, calcium mobilization in cells expressing the human N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor, or classical opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins, electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens bioassay. In vivo experiments were performed; locomotor activity was measured in normal mice and in animals with the NOP receptor gene knocked out [NOP(-/-)]. KEY RESULTS In vitro PWT derivatives of N/OFQ behaved as high affinity potent and rather selective full agonists at human recombinant and animal native NOP receptors. In vivo PWT derivatives mimicked the inhibitory effects exerted by the natural peptide on locomotor activity showing 40-fold higher potency and extremely longer lasting action. The effects of PWT2-N/OFQ were no longer evident in NOP(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results showed that the PWT can be successfully applied to the peptide sequence of N/OFQ to generate tetrabranched derivatives characterized by a pharmacological profile similar to the native peptide and associated with a higher potency and marked prolongation of action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience
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Piekielna J, Perlikowska R, do-Rego JC, do-Rego JL, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Kluczyk A, Łapiński K, Tömböly C, Janecka A. Synthesis of mixed opioid affinity cyclic endomorphin-2 analogues with fluorinated phenylalanines. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:579-83. [PMID: 26005537 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2 (EM-2), we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogues of a general sequence Tyr/Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (where Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), incorporating fluorinated amino acids: 4-fluorophenylalanine (4-F-Phe), 2,4-difluorophenylalanine (2,4-F-Phe), or 4-trifluoromethylphenylalanine (4-CF3-Phe) instead of the Phe residue in position 3 or 4. Depending on the fluorinated amino acid residue and its position in the sequence, analogues were mixed, high affinity MOP/KOP receptor agonists, MOP/DOP/KOP agonists, or selective KOP agonists. The in vitro potencies and efficacies of all novel analogues were assessed in calcium mobilization assay. The most potent analogues, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2 and Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-2,4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2, were tested in vivo in the mouse hot-plate test. They produced strong antinociceptive effect not only after intracerebroventricular but also after intraperitoneal injection, indicating that they were able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jean Claude do-Rego
- Institut de Recherche et d’Innovation
Biomédicale (IRIB), Service Commun d’Analyse Comportementale
(SCAC), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 75794 Paris Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Luc do-Rego
- Institut
National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM),
Regional Platform for Cell Imaging (PRIMACEN), Faculté des
Sciences et Techniques, Université de Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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Guerrini R, Marzola E, Trapella C, Pacifico S, Cerlesi MC, Malfacini D, Ferrari F, Bird MF, Lambert DG, Salvadori S, Calo G. Structure activity studies of nociceptin/orphanin FQ(1-13)-NH2 derivatives modified in position 5. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:1515-20. [PMID: 25716007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a heptadecapeptide acting as the endogenous ligand of the N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP). N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 is the shortest N/OFQ sequence maintaining the same potency and efficacy as the natural peptide. Thus N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 was used as chemical template for investigating the structure activity relationship of threonine in position 5. 28 [X(5)]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 derivatives, in which Thr was substituted with natural and unnatural residues, were synthesized and characterized pharmacologically for their effects at the human NOP receptor. Two different functional assays were used: agonist stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS binding in cell membranes and calcium mobilization in whole cells co-expressing chimeric G proteins. All [X(5)]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH2 derivatives behaved as full NOP agonists showing large differences in their potency. There was an excellent correlation between the results obtained in the two assays. The results of this study suggest that: position 5 does not play a pivotal role in receptor activation; the secondary alcoholic function of Thr is not important for receptor binding; side chain size, lipo/hydrophilic balance as well as hydrogen bond capability are also not crucial for receptor binding; an aliphatic amino function positively charged with at least 3 carbon atom distance from the peptide backbone has a huge disrupting effect on receptor binding. In conclusion this study demonstrates that a simple ethyl side chain as in compound 23 is sufficient in N/OFQ position 5 for maintaining bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mark Francis Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - David George Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Laboratorio per le tecnologie delle terapie avanzate (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Corrado S, Battisti UM, Sorbi C, Tait A, Malfacini D, Camarda V, Calò G, Brasili L. Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Triazaspirodecanone Derivatives as Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor Ligands. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 86:447-58. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Corrado
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena & Reggio Emilia; Via G. Campi 183 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Umberto M. Battisti
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena & Reggio Emilia; Via G. Campi 183 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Claudia Sorbi
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena & Reggio Emilia; Via G. Campi 183 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Annalisa Tait
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena & Reggio Emilia; Via G. Campi 183 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience; University of Ferrara; 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Valeria Camarda
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience; University of Ferrara; 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience; University of Ferrara; 44121 Ferrara Italy
| | - Livio Brasili
- Department of Life Sciences; University of Modena & Reggio Emilia; Via G. Campi 183 41125 Modena Italy
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Ben Haddou T, Malfacini D, Calo G, Aceto MD, Harris LS, Traynor JR, Coop A, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Exploring pharmacological activities and signaling of morphinans substituted in position 6 as potent agonists interacting with the μ opioid receptor. Mol Pain 2014; 10:48. [PMID: 25059282 PMCID: PMC4121618 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid analgesics are the most effective drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, they also produce several adverse effects that can complicate pain management. The μ opioid (MOP) receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, is recognized as the opioid receptor type which primarily mediates the pharmacological actions of clinically used opioid agonists. The morphinan class of analgesics including morphine and oxycodone are of main importance as therapeutically valuable drugs. Though the natural alkaloid morphine contains a C-6-hydroxyl group and the semisynthetic derivative oxycodone has a 6-carbonyl function, chemical approaches have uncovered that functionalizing position 6 gives rise to a range of diverse activities. Hence, position 6 of N-methylmorphinans is one of the most manipulated sites, and is established to play a key role in ligand binding at the MOP receptor, efficacy, signaling, and analgesic potency. We have earlier reported on a chemically innovative modification in oxycodone resulting in novel morphinans with 6-acrylonitrile incorporated substructures. RESULTS This study describes in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities and signaling of new morphinans substituted in position 6 with acrylonitrile and amido functions as potent agonists and antinociceptive agents interacting with MOP receptors. We show that the presence of a 6-cyano group in N-methylmorphinans has a strong influence on the binding to the opioid receptors and post-receptor signaling. One 6-cyano-N-methylmorphinan of the series was identified as the highest affinity and most selective MOP agonist, and very potent in stimulating G protein coupling and intracellular calcium release through the MOP receptor. In vivo, this MOP agonist showed to be greatly effective against thermal and chemical nociception in mice with marked increased antinociceptive potency than the lead molecule oxycodone. CONCLUSION Development of such novel chemotypes by targeting position 6 provides valuable insights on ligand-receptor interaction and molecular mode of action, and may aid in identification of opioid therapeutics with enhanced analgesic properties and fewer undesirable effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanila Ben Haddou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara I-44121, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara I-44121, Italy
| | - Mario D Aceto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Louis S Harris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 MSRB III, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5632, USA
| | - Andrew Coop
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
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Ben Haddou T, Béni S, Hosztafi S, Malfacini D, Calo G, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Pharmacological investigations of N-substituent variation in morphine and oxymorphone: opioid receptor binding, signaling and antinociceptive activity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99231. [PMID: 24919067 PMCID: PMC4053365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine and structurally related derivatives are highly effective analgesics, and the mainstay in the medical management of moderate to severe pain. Pharmacological actions of opioid analgesics are primarily mediated through agonism at the µ opioid peptide (MOP) receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor. Position 17 in morphine has been one of the most manipulated sites on the scaffold and intensive research has focused on replacements of the 17-methyl group with other substituents. Structural variations at the N-17 of the morphinan skeleton led to a diversity of molecules appraised as valuable and potential therapeutics and important research probes. Discovery of therapeutically useful morphine-like drugs has also targeted the C-6 hydroxyl group, with oxymorphone as one of the clinically relevant opioid analgesics, where a carbonyl instead of a hydroxyl group is present at position 6. Herein, we describe the effect of N-substituent variation in morphine and oxymorphone on in vitro and in vivo biological properties and the emerging structure-activity relationships. We show that the presence of a N-phenethyl group in position 17 is highly favorable in terms of improved affinity and selectivity at the MOP receptor, potent agonism and antinociceptive efficacy. The N-phenethyl derivatives of morphine and oxymorphone were very potent in stimulating G protein coupling and intracellular calcium release through the MOP receptor. In vivo, they were highly effective against acute thermal nociception in mice with marked increased antinociceptive potency compared to the lead molecules. It was also demonstrated that a carbonyl group at position 6 is preferable to a hydroxyl function in these N-phenethyl derivatives, enhancing MOP receptor affinity and agonist potency in vitro and in vivo. These results expand the understanding of the impact of different moieties at the morphinan nitrogen on ligand-receptor interaction, molecular mode of action and signaling, and may be instrumental to the development of new opioid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanila Ben Haddou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Szabolcs Béni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hosztafi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Perlikowska R, Malfacini D, Cerlesi MC, Calo' G, Piekielna J, Floriot L, Henry T, do-Rego JC, Tömböly C, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Pharmacological characterization of endomorphin-2-based cyclic pentapeptides with methylated phenylalanine residues. Peptides 2014; 55:145-50. [PMID: 24632335 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2, we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogs incorporating 2', 3' or 4'-methylphenylalanine (MePhe) residues into positions 3 or 4 of the parent cyclopeptide, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (Dmt=2',6'-dimethyltyrosine). Analogs with MePhe in position 4 showed a row of magnitude increased μ-opioid receptor (MOP receptor) affinity as compared with a parent compound. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. All analogs were strong μ/κ (MOP/KOP) receptor agonists and weak δ (DOP) receptor agonists. In the in vivo hot-plate test in mice, the MePhe(4)-modified peptides showed remarkable antinociceptive activity after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration which was most likely due to the concomitant activation of more than one opioid receptor type.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Humans
- Inhibitory Concentration 50
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Male
- Mice
- Oligopeptides/administration & dosage
- Oligopeptides/chemistry
- Phenylalanine/analogs & derivatives
- Phenylalanine/chemistry
- Protein Binding
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Léonore Floriot
- Service Commun d'Analyse Comportementale (SCAC), Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Tiphaine Henry
- Service Commun d'Analyse Comportementale (SCAC), Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Jean Claude do-Rego
- Service Commun d'Analyse Comportementale (SCAC), Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland.
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