1
|
Al Yacoub ON, Awwad HO, Standifer KM. Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury Is Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor Genotype-, Sex-, and Injury Severity-Dependent. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:136-149. [PMID: 37442620 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and survivors often experience mental and physical health consequences that reduce quality of life. We previously reported that blockade of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor reduced tissue damage markers produced by blast TBI. The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which N/OFQ and NOP receptor levels change following mild (mTBI) and moderate TBI (modTBI) and whether the absence of the NOP receptor attenuates TBI-induced sequelae. Male and female NOP receptor knockout (KO) or wild-type (WT) rats received craniotomy-only (sham) or craniotomy plus mTBI, or modTBI impact to the left cerebral hemisphere. Neurologic and vestibulomotor deficits and nociceptive hyperalgesia and allodynia found in WT male and female rats following mTBI and modTBI were greatly reduced or absent in NOP receptor KO rats. NOP receptor levels increased in brain tissue from injured males but remained unchanged in females. Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression were reduced in NOP receptor KO rats compared with WT following TBI. Levels of N/OFQ in injured brain tissue correlated with neurobehavioral outcomes and GFAP in WT males, but not with KO male or WT and KO female rats. This study reveals a significant contribution of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system to TBI-induced deficits and suggests that the NOP receptor should be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for TBI. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study revealed that nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor knockout animals experienced fewer traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced deficits than their wild-type counterparts in a sex- and injury severity-dependent manner, suggesting that NOP receptor antagonists may be a potential therapy for TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar N Al Yacoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (O.N.A., H.O.A., K.M.S.), and the Neuroscience Program (K.M.S., H.O.A.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Hibah O Awwad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (O.N.A., H.O.A., K.M.S.), and the Neuroscience Program (K.M.S., H.O.A.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kelly M Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy (O.N.A., H.O.A., K.M.S.), and the Neuroscience Program (K.M.S., H.O.A.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gooding SW, Whistler JL. A Balancing Act: Learning from the Past to Build a Future-Focused Opioid Strategy. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:1-25. [PMID: 38029388 PMCID: PMC10987332 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042022-015914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The harmful side effects of opioid drugs such as respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence, and abuse potential have limited the therapeutic utility of opioids for their entire clinical history. However, no previous attempt to develop effective pain drugs that substantially ameliorate these effects has succeeded, and the current opioid epidemic affirms that they are a greater hindrance to the field of pain management than ever. Recent attempts at new opioid development have sought to reduce these side effects by minimizing engagement of the regulatory protein arrestin-3 at the mu-opioid receptor, but there is significant controversy around this approach. Here, we discuss the ongoing effort to develop safer opioids and its relevant historical context. We propose a new model that reconciles results previously assumed to be in direct conflict to explain how different signaling profiles at the mu-opioid receptor contribute to opioid tolerance and dependence. Our goal is for this framework to inform the search for a new generation of lower liability opioid analgesics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer L Whistler
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Yacoub ON, Zhang Y, Patankar PS, Standifer KM. Traumatic Brain Injury Induces Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Nociceptin Opioid Peptide Receptor Expression within 24 Hours. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1658. [PMID: 38338936 PMCID: PMC10855772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and disability around the world, for which no treatment has been found. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor are rapidly increased in response to fluid percussion, stab injury, and controlled cortical impact (CCI) TBI. TBI-induced upregulation of N/OFQ contributes to cerebrovascular impairment, increased excitotoxicity, and neurobehavioral deficits. Our objective was to identify changes in N/OFQ and NOP receptor peptide, protein, and mRNA relative to the expression of injury markers and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 24 h following mild (mTBI) and moderate TBI (ModTBI) in wildtype (WT) and NOP receptor-knockout (KO) rats. N/OFQ was quantified by radioimmunoassay, mRNA expression was assessed using real-time PCR and protein levels were determined by immunoblot analysis. This study revealed increased N/OFQ mRNA and peptide levels in the CSF and ipsilateral tissue of WT, but not KO, rats 24 h post-TBI; NOP receptor mRNA increased after ModTBI. Cofilin-1 activation increased in the brain tissue of WT but not KO rats, ERK activation increased in all rats following ModTBI; no changes in injury marker levels were noted in brain tissue at this time. In conclusion, this study elucidates transcriptional and translational changes in the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system relative to TBI-induced neurological deficits and initiation of signaling cascades that support the investigation of the NOP receptor as a therapeutic target for TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kelly M. Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (O.N.A.Y.); (Y.Z.); (P.S.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Al Yacoub ON, Tarantini S, Zhang Y, Csiszar A, Standifer KM. The Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ peptide receptor antagonist, SB-612111, improves cerebral blood flow in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1272969. [PMID: 37920208 PMCID: PMC10618424 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1272969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. each year and is the leading cause of death and disability in children and adults ages 1 to 44. Approximately 90% of TBI cases are classified as mild but may still lead to acute detrimental effects such as impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) that result in prolonged impacts on brain function and quality of life in up to 15% of patients. We previously reported that nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor antagonism reversed mild blast TBI-induced vestibulomotor deficits and prevented hypoxia. To explore mechanisms by which the NOP receptor-N/OFQ pathway modulates hypoxia and other TBI sequelae, the ability of the NOP antagonist, SB-612111 (SB), to reverse TBI-induced CBF and associated injury marker changes were tested in this study. Male Wistar rats randomly received sham craniotomy or craniotomy + TBI via controlled cortical impact. Injury severity was assessed after 1 h (modified neurological severity score (mNSS). Changes in CBF were assessed 2 h post-injury above the exposed cortex using laser speckle contrast imaging in response to the direct application of increasing concentrations of vehicle or SB (1, 10, and 100 µM) to the brain surface. TBI increased mNSS scores compared to baseline and confirmed mild TBI (mTBI) severity. CBF was significantly impaired on the ipsilateral side of the brain following mTBI, compared to contralateral side and to sham rats. SB dose-dependently improved CBF on the ipsilateral side after mTBI compared to SB effects on the respective ipsilateral side of sham rats but had no effect on contralateral CBF or in uninjured rats. N/OFQ levels increased in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) following mTBI, which correlated with the percent decrease in ipsilateral CBF. TBI also activated ERK and cofilin within 3 h post-TBI; ERK activation correlated with increased CSF N/OFQ. In conclusion, this study reveals a significant contribution of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system to TBI-induced dysregulation of cerebral vasculature and suggests that the NOP receptor should be considered as a potential therapeutic target for TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar N. Al Yacoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Kelly M. Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meyer ME, Doshi A, Polgar WE, Zaveri NT. Discovery and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a novel class of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indole-based nociceptin opioid receptor ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 92:117421. [PMID: 37573822 PMCID: PMC10491432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of SAR around substituted N-piperidinyl indole-based nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) ligands led to the discovery of a novel series of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles that provide both selective NOP full agonists and bifunctional NOP full agonists-μ opioid (MOP) receptor partial agonists. 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles have improved potency at the NOP receptor and are NOP full agonists, compared to our previously reported 3-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles that are selective NOP partial agonists. SAR in this series of 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles shows that 2-substitution versus 3-substitution on the indole moiety affects their intrinsic activity and opioid receptor selectivity. Molecular docking of these 2-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles in an active-state NOP homology model and MOP receptor structures provides a rationale for the differences observed in the binding, functional profiles and selectivity of 2-substituted versus 3-substituted N-piperidinyl indoles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Meyer
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Arpit Doshi
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Willma E Polgar
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Ave, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ding H, Kiguchi N, Dobbins M, Romero-Sandoval EA, Kishioka S, Ko MC. Nociceptin Receptor-Related Agonists as Safe and Non-addictive Analgesics. Drugs 2023; 83:771-793. [PMID: 37209211 PMCID: PMC10948013 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
As clinical use of currently available opioid analgesics is often impeded by dose-limiting adverse effects, such as abuse liability and respiratory depression, new approaches have been pursued to develop safe, effective, and non-addictive pain medications. After the identification of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor more than 25 years ago, NOP receptor-related agonists have emerged as a promising target for developing novel and effective opioids that modulate the analgesic and addictive properties of mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists. In this review, we highlight the effects of the NOP receptor-related agonists compared with those of MOP receptor agonists in experimental rodent and more translational non-human primate (NHP) models and the development status of key NOP receptor-related agonists as potential safe and non-addictive analgesics. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that peptidic and non-peptidic NOP receptor agonists produce potent analgesic effects by intrathecal delivery in NHPs. Moreover, mixed NOP/MOP receptor partial agonists (e.g., BU08028, BU10038, and AT-121) display potent analgesic effects when administered intrathecally or systemically, without eliciting adverse effects, such as respiratory depression, itch behavior, and signs of abuse liability. More importantly, cebranopadol, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist with full efficacy at NOP and MOP receptors, produces robust analgesic efficacy with reduced adverse effects, conferring promising outcomes in clinical studies. A balanced coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors is a strategy that warrants further exploration and refinement for the development of novel analgesics with a safer and effective profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - MaryBeth Dobbins
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - E Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care, Wakayama, 640-8392, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leon Duque MA, Vallavoju N, Woo CM. Chemical tools for the opioids. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103845. [PMID: 36948231 PMCID: PMC10247539 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioids are potent and widely used pain management medicines despite also possessing severe liabilities that have fueled the opioid crisis. The pharmacological properties of the opioids primarily derive from agonism or antagonism of the opioid receptors, but additional effects may arise from specific compounds, opioid receptors, or independent targets. The study of the opioids, their receptors, and the development of remediation strategies has benefitted from derivatization of the opioids as chemical tools. While these studies have primarily focused on the opioids in the context of the opioid receptors, these chemical tools may also play a role in delineating mechanisms that are independent of the opioid receptors. In this review, we describe recent advances in the development and applications of opioid derivatives as chemical tools and highlight opportunities for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Anthony Leon Duque
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Nandini Vallavoju
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Christina M Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mehta A, Patel BM. Long-acting opioids and cardiovascular diseases: Help or hindrance! Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 149:107144. [PMID: 36740214 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107144] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are widely being used for chronic pain management, cough and diarrhea suppressants, anesthetic agents, and opioid de-addiction therapy. Opioid receptors, present in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, are documented to regulate several cardiac functions through different signaling pathways. Long-acting opioids (LAO) have been successfully evaluated for their beneficial effects in various cardiovascular diseases viz. myocardial infarction, ischemic reperfusion injuries, atherosclerosis etc. However, on the other hand, several research studies pointed towards the harmful effects of LAOs which are mainly associated with QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. This review shall familiarize readers with the benefits as well as the harmful effects of long-acting opioids in cardiovascular diseases. We have also provided an overview of cardiac opioid receptors, endogenous cardiac opioid peptides, and regulation of cardiovascular functions by central and cardiac opioid receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mehta
- Labcorp Central Laboratory Services Limited Partnership, Bangalore, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sayers S, Le N, Hernandez J, Mata‐Pacheco V, Wagner EJ. The vital role of arcuate nociceptin/orphanin FQ neurones in mounting an oestradiol-dependent adaptive response to negative energy balance via inhibition of nearby proopiomelanocortin neurones. J Physiol 2022; 600:4939-4961. [PMID: 36217719 PMCID: PMC9828807 DOI: 10.1113/jp283378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that N/OFQ neurones in the arcuate nucleus (N/OFQARC ) inhibit proopiomelanocortin (POMCARC ) neurones in a diet- and hormone-dependent manner to promote a more extensive rebound hyperphagia upon re-feeding following an 18 h fast. We utilized intact male or ovariectomized (OVX) female mice subjected to ad libitum-feeding or fasting conditions. N/OFQARC neurones under negative energy balance conditions displayed heightened sensitivity as evidenced by a decreased rheobase threshold, increased firing frequency, and increased burst duration and frequency compared to ad libitum-feeding conditions. Stimulation of N/OFQARC neurones more robustly inhibited POMCARC neurones under fasting conditions compared to ad libitum-feeding conditions. N/OFQARC inhibition of POMCARC neurones is hormone dependent as chemostimulation of N/OFQARC neurones from fasted males and OVX females produced a sizable outward current in POMCARC neurones. Oestradiol (E2 ) markedly attenuated the N/OFQ-induced POMCARC outward current. Additionally, N/OFQ tonically inhibits POMCARC neurones to a greater degree under fasting conditions than in ad libitum-feeding conditions as evidenced by the abrogation of N/OFQ-nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor signalling and inhibition of N/OFQ release via chemoinhibition of N/OFQARC neurones. Intra-arcuate nucleus application of N/OFQ further elevated the hyperphagic response and increased meal size during the 6 h re-feed period, and these effects were mimicked by chemostimulation of N/OFQARC neurones in vivo. E2 attenuated the robust N/OFQ-induced rebound hyperphagia seen in vehicle-treated OVX females. These data demonstrate that N/OFQARC neurones play a vital role in mitigating the impact of negative energy balance by inhibiting the excitability of anorexigenic neural substrates, an effect that is diminished by E2 in females. KEY POINTS: Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) promotes increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure under conditions of positive energy balance in a sex- and hormone-dependent manner. Here it is shown that under conditions of negative energy balance, i.e. fasting, N/OFQ inhibits anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones to a greater degree compared to homeostatic conditions due to fasting-induced hyperexcitability of N/OFQ neurones. Additionally, N/OFQ promotes a sustained increase in rebound hyperphagia and increase in meal size during the re-feed period following a fast. These results promote greater understanding of how energy balance influences the anorexigenic circuitry of the hypothalamus, and aid in understanding the neurophysiological pathways implicated in eating disorders promoting cachexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sayers
- Graduate College of Biomedical SciencesWestern University of Health SciencesPomonaCAUSA
| | - Nikki Le
- Graduate College of Biomedical SciencesWestern University of Health SciencesPomonaCAUSA
| | - Jennifer Hernandez
- Graduate College of Biomedical SciencesWestern University of Health SciencesPomonaCAUSA
| | - Veronica Mata‐Pacheco
- Graduate College of Biomedical SciencesWestern University of Health SciencesPomonaCAUSA
| | - Edward J. Wagner
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the PacificWestern University of Health SciencesPomonaCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Higginbotham JA, Markovic T, Massaly N, Morón JA. Endogenous opioid systems alterations in pain and opioid use disorder. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1014768. [PMID: 36341476 PMCID: PMC9628214 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1014768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research advances have established a central role for endogenous opioid systems in regulating reward processing, mood, motivation, learning and memory, gastrointestinal function, and pain relief. Endogenous opioid systems are present ubiquitously throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. They are composed of four families, namely the μ (MOPR), κ (KOPR), δ (DOPR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOPR) opioid receptors systems. These receptors signal through the action of their endogenous opioid peptides β-endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins, and nociceptins, respectfully, to maintain homeostasis under normal physiological states. Due to their prominent role in pain regulation, exogenous opioids-primarily targeting the MOPR, have been historically used in medicine as analgesics, but their ability to produce euphoric effects also present high risks for abuse. The ability of pain and opioid use to perturb endogenous opioid system function, particularly within the central nervous system, may increase the likelihood of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Today, the opioid crisis represents a major social, economic, and public health concern. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature on the function, expression, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous opioid systems in pain. Additionally, we discuss the adaptations in the endogenous opioid systems upon use of exogenous opioids which contribute to the development of OUD. Finally, we describe the intricate relationship between pain, endogenous opioid systems, and the proclivity for opioid misuse, as well as potential advances in generating safer and more efficient pain therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Higginbotham
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica A. Higginbotham,
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicolas Massaly
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jose A. Morón
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clark TP. The history and pharmacology of buprenorphine: New advances in cats. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2022; 45 Suppl 1:S1-S30. [DOI: 10.1111/jvp.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
12
|
Yang Y, Bai J, Sun JY, Ye T, Zhang L, Wu FY, Nan J, Lan Y. Mechanisms Underlying Mu Opioid Receptor Effects on Parallel Fiber-Purkinje Cell Synaptic Transmission in Mouse Cerebellar Cortex. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:862704. [PMID: 35546898 PMCID: PMC9083459 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.862704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
μ-opioid receptors (MOR) are widely expressed in the brain, varying in density in different areas. Activation of MORs underlies analgesia, euphoria, but may lead to tolerance, dependence, and ultimately opioid addiction. The Purkinje cell (PC) is the only efferent neuron in the cerebellar cortex and receives glutamatergic synaptic inputs from the parallel fibers formed by the axons of granule cells. Studies have shown that MORs are expressed during the development of cerebellar cells. However, the distribution of MOR and their effects on PF-PC synaptic transmission remain unclear. To examine these questions, we used whole-cell patch clamp recordings and pharmacological methods to determine the effects and mechanisms of MOR activation on synaptic transmission at PF-PC synapses. The MOR-selective agonist DAMGO significantly reduced the amplitude and area under the curve (AUC) of PF-PC evoked (e) EPSCs, and increased the paired-pulse ratio (PPR).DAMGO-induced inhibitory effects on PF-PC eEPSCs and PPR were abolished by MOR specific blocker CTOP. Further, DAMGO significantly reduced the frequency of PF-PC mEPSCs, but had no obvious effect on their amplitude, suggesting a presynaptic site of action. The DAMGO-induced reduction in the frequency of PF-PC mEPSCs also was blocked by CTOP. A protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor PKI added in the pipette solution did not affect the inhibitory effects on PF-PC mEPSCs induced by DAMGO. Both the PKA inhibitor K5720 and MEK inhibitor U0126 in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) prevented the inhibitory effects of DAMGO on PF-PC mEPSCs. These findings reveal that MORs are expressed in presynaptic PF axon terminals, where DAMGO can activate presynaptic MORs to inhibit PF-PC synaptic transmission by regulating the release of glutamate. G-protein-dependent cAMP-PKA signaling pathway may be involved in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jin Bai
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jia-yue Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biological Functional Molecules, College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Feng-ying Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biological Functional Molecules, College of Integration Science, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jun Nan
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Yan Lan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Lan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Al Yacoub ON, Awwad HO, Zhang Y, Standifer KM. Therapeutic potential of nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor modulators for treatment of traumatic brain injury, traumatic stress, and their co-morbidities. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 231:107982. [PMID: 34480968 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor is a member of the opioid receptor superfamily with N/OFQ as its endogenous agonist. Wide expression of the NOP receptor and N/OFQ, both centrally and peripherally, and their ability to modulate several biological functions has led to development of NOP receptor modulators by pharmaceutical companies as therapeutics, based upon their efficacy in preclinical models of pain, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease, and substance abuse. Both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are debilitating conditions that significantly affect the quality of life of millions of people around the world. PTSD is often a consequence of TBI, and, especially for those deployed to, working and/or living in a war zone or are first responders, they are comorbid. PTSD and TBI share common symptoms, and negatively influence outcomes as comorbidities of the other. Unfortunately, a lack of effective therapies or therapeutic agents limits the long term quality of life for either TBI or PTSD patients. Ours, and other groups, demonstrated that PTSD and TBI preclinical models elicit changes in the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system, and that administration of NOP receptor ligands alleviated some of the neurobiological and behavioral changes induced by brain injury and/or traumatic stress exposure. Here we review the past and most recent progress on understanding the role of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in PTSD and TBI neurological and behavioral sequelae. There is still more to understand about this neuropeptide system in both PTSD and TBI, but current findings warrant further examination of the potential utility of NOP modulators as therapeutics for these disorders and their co-morbidities. We advocate the development of standards for common data elements (CDE) reporting for preclinical PTSD studies, similar to current preclinical TBI CDEs. That would provide for more standardized data collection and reporting to improve reproducibility, interpretation and data sharing across studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar N Al Yacoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America
| | - Hibah O Awwad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America
| | - Kelly M Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cox BM, Toll L. Contributions of the International Narcotics Research Conference to Opioid Research Over the Past 50 years. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10115. [PMID: 38390618 PMCID: PMC10880772 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The International Narcotics Research Conference (INRC), founded in 1969, has been a successful forum for research into the actions of opiates, with an annual conference since 1971. Every year, scientists from around the world have congregated to present the latest data on novel opiates, opiate receptors and endogenous ligands, mechanisms of analgesic activity and unwanted side effects, etc. All the important discoveries in the opiate field were discussed, often first, at the annual INRC meeting. With an apology to important events and participants not discussed, this review presents a short history of INRC with a discussion of groundbreaking discoveries in the opiate field and the researchers who presented from the first meeting up to the present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Degrandmaison J, Rochon-Haché S, Parent JL, Gendron L. Knock-In Mouse Models to Investigate the Functions of Opioid Receptors in vivo. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:807549. [PMID: 35173584 PMCID: PMC8841419 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.807549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their low expression levels, complex multi-pass transmembrane structure, and the current lack of highly specific antibodies, the assessment of endogenous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remains challenging. While most of the research regarding their functions was performed in heterologous systems overexpressing the receptor, recent advances in genetic engineering methods have allowed the generation of several unique mouse models. These animals proved to be useful to investigate numerous aspects underlying the physiological functions of GPCRs, including their endogenous expression, distribution, interactome, and trafficking processes. Given their significant pharmacological importance and central roles in the nervous system, opioid peptide receptors (OPr) are often referred to as prototypical receptors for the study of GPCR regulatory mechanisms. Although only a few GPCR knock-in mouse lines have thus far been generated, OPr are strikingly well represented with over 20 different knock-in models, more than half of which were developed within the last 5 years. In this review, we describe the arsenal of OPr (mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid), as well as the opioid-related nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor knock-in mouse models that have been generated over the past years. We further highlight the invaluable contribution of such models to our understanding of the in vivo mechanisms underlying the regulation of OPr, which could be conceivably transposed to any other GPCR, as well as the limitations, future perspectives, and possibilities enabled by such tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Degrandmaison
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Médecine, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network of Junior Pain Investigators, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Samuel Rochon-Haché
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Médecine, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network of Junior Pain Investigators, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Parent
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Médecine, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Jean-Luc Parent,
| | - Louis Gendron
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Quebec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Louis Gendron,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Spotlight on Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor in the Treatment of Pain. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030595. [PMID: 35163856 PMCID: PMC8838650 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In our society today, pain has become a main source of strain on most individuals. It is crucial to develop novel treatments against pain while focusing on decreasing their adverse effects. Throughout the extent of development for new pain therapies, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP receptor) has appeared to be an encouraging focal point. Concentrating on NOP receptor to treat chronic pain with limited range of unwanted effects serves as a suitable alternative to prototypical opioid morphine that could potentially lead to life-threatening effects caused by respiratory depression in overdose, as well as generate abuse and addiction. In addition to these harmful effects, the uprising opioid epidemic is responsible for becoming one of the most disastrous public health issues in the US. In this article, the contributing molecular and cellular structure in controlling the cellular trafficking of NOP receptor and studies that support the role of NOP receptor and its ligands in pain management are reviewed.
Collapse
|
17
|
Jonas H, Aiello D, Schepmann D, Diana P, Wünsch B. Synthesis of 8-aminomorphans with high KOR affinity. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 230:114079. [PMID: 35033825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114079] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
2-Azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes (morphans) with a (3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl group at 2-position and a pyrrolidino moiety at 8-position were designed as conformationally restricted analogs of piperidine-based KOR agonists. The synthesis started with 4-oxopiperidine-2-carboxylic acid comprising 13 reaction steps. At first the ketone 10 was transformed into diester 7 bearing a propionate side chain. Dieckmann condensation of diester 7 to afford bicyclic enolester 14 and subsequent Krapcho deethoxycarbonylation represent the key steps of the synthesis. The enantiomeric pyrrolidines (1S,5R,8R)-5a and (1R,5S,8S)-5a were separated by chiral HPLC. The eutomer (1S,5R,8R)-5a showed high KOR affinity (Ki = 18 nM) and selectivity over MOR, DOR and σ2 receptors. It was concluded that the dihedral angle of the KOR pharmacophore N(pyrrolididine)-C-C-N(acyl) of (1S,5R,8R)-5a (68°) is close to the bioactive conformation of the flexible KOR agonist 3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Jonas
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, I-90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Aiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, I-90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, I-90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu S, Kang WJ, Abrimian A, Xu J, Cartegni L, Majumdar S, Hesketh P, Bekker A, Pan YX. Alternative Pre-mRNA Splicing of the Mu Opioid Receptor Gene, OPRM1: Insight into Complex Mu Opioid Actions. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101525. [PMID: 34680158 PMCID: PMC8534031 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most opioid analgesics used clinically, including morphine and fentanyl, as well as the recreational drug heroin, act primarily through the mu opioid receptor, a class A Rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The single-copy mu opioid receptor gene, OPRM1, undergoes extensive alternative splicing, creating multiple splice variants or isoforms via a variety of alternative splicing events. These OPRM1 splice variants can be categorized into three major types based on the receptor structure: (1) full-length 7 transmembrane (TM) C-terminal variants; (2) truncated 6TM variants; and (3) single TM variants. Increasing evidence suggests that these OPRM1 splice variants are pharmacologically important in mediating the distinct actions of various mu opioids. More importantly, the OPRM1 variants can be targeted for development of novel opioid analgesics that are potent against multiple types of pain, but devoid of many side-effects associated with traditional opiates. In this review, we provide an overview of OPRM1 alternative splicing and its functional relevance in opioid pharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Wen-Jia Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Abrimian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Cartegni
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Patrick Hesketh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-973-972-3213
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rossi GC, Bodnar RJ. Interactive Mechanisms of Supraspinal Sites of Opioid Analgesic Action: A Festschrift to Dr. Gavril W. Pasternak. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:863-897. [PMID: 32970288 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00961-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Almost a half century of research has elaborated the discoveries of the central mechanisms governing the analgesic responses of opiates, including their receptors, endogenous peptides, genes and their putative spinal and supraspinal sites of action. One of the central tenets of "gate-control theories of pain" was the activation of descending supraspinal sites by opiate drugs and opioid peptides thereby controlling further noxious input. This review in the Special Issue dedicated to the research of Dr. Gavril Pasternak indicates his contributions to the understanding of supraspinal mediation of opioid analgesic action within the context of the large body of work over this period. This review will examine (a) the relevant supraspinal sites mediating opioid analgesia, (b) the opioid receptor subtypes and opioid peptides involved, (c) supraspinal site analgesic interactions and their underlying neurophysiology, (d) molecular (particularly AS) tools identifying opioid receptor actions, and (e) relevant physiological variables affecting site-specific opioid analgesia. This review will build on classic initial studies, specify the contributions that Gavril Pasternak and his colleagues did in this specific area, and follow through with studies up to the present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace C Rossi
- Department of Psychology, C.W. Post College, Long Island University, Post Campus, Brookville, NY, USA.
| | - Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology, Queens College of the City University of New York, Flushing, NY, USA
- CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative, Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kiguchi N, Ding H, Kishioka S, Ko MC. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor-Related Ligands as Novel Analgesics. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2878-2888. [PMID: 32384033 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200508082615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite similar distribution patterns and intracellular events observed in the nociceptin/ orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor and other opioid receptors, NOP receptor activation displays unique pharmacological profiles. Several researchers have identified a variety of peptide and nonpeptide ligands to determine the functional roles of NOP receptor activation and observed that NOP receptor- related ligands exhibit pain modality-dependent pain processing. Importantly, NOP receptor activation results in anti-nociception and anti-hypersensitivity at the spinal and supraspinal levels regardless of the experimental settings in non-human primates (NHPs). Given that the NOP receptor agonists synergistically enhance mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonist-induced anti-nociception, it has been hypothesized that dual NOP and MOP receptor agonists may display promising functional properties as analgesics. Accumulating evidence indicates that the mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonists demonstrate favorable functional profiles. In NHP studies, bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists (e.g., AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038) exerted potent anti-nociception via NOP and MOP receptor activation; however, dose-limiting adverse effects associated with the MOP receptor activation, including respiratory depression, itch sensation, physical dependence, and abuse liability, were not observed. Moreover, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist, cebranopadol, presented promising outcomes in clinical trials as a novel analgesic. Collectively, the dual agonistic actions on NOP and MOP receptors, with appropriate binding affinities and efficacies, may be a viable strategy to develop innovative and safe analgesics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gavioli EC, Holanda VAD, Calo G, Ruzza C. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor system blockade as an innovative strategy for increasing resilience to stress. Peptides 2021; 141:170548. [PMID: 33862163 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The ability to successfully cope with stress is known as 'resilience', and resilient individuals are less prone to develop psychopathologies. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of resilience may be instrumental to improve current therapies and benefit high-risk subjects. This review summarizes the complex interplay that exists between physiological and pathological responses to stressful events and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) - N/OFQ receptor (NOP) system, including: the effects of stress in regulating N/OFQ release and NOP expression; the ability of the N/OFQ-NOP system to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; behavioral studies; and evidence in humans correlating this peptidergic system with psychopathologies. Available findings support the view that N/OFQ signaling stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, thus increasing stress circulating hormones and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling. Additionally, activation of the NOP receptor inhibits monoamine transmission, including 5-HT, and this may contribute to maladaptive outcomes of stress. Ultimately, the N/OFQ system seems to have an important role in stress vulnerability, and blockade of NOP signaling may provide an innovative strategy for the treatment of stress related psychopathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Victor A D Holanda
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Weiss N, Zamponi GW. Opioid Receptor Regulation of Neuronal Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:839-847. [PMID: 32514826 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00894-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels play a pivotal role in the conversion of electrical signals into calcium entry into nerve endings that is required for the release of neurotransmitters. They are under the control of a number of cellular signaling pathways that serve to fine tune synaptic activities, including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the opioid system. Besides modulating channel activity via activation of second messengers, GPCRs also physically associate with calcium channels to regulate their function and expression at the plasma membrane. In this mini review, we discuss the mechanisms by which calcium channels are regulated by classical opioid and nociceptin receptors. We highlight the importance of this regulation in the control of neuronal functions and their implication in the development of disease conditions. Finally, we present recent literature concerning the use of novel μ-opioid receptor/nociceptin receptor modulators and discuss their use as potential drug candidates for the treatment of pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Weiss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Toll L, Cippitelli A, Ozawa A. The NOP Receptor System in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: Discrepancies, Peculiarities and Clinical Progress in Developing Targeted Therapies. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:591-607. [PMID: 34057709 PMCID: PMC8279133 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are the fourth members of the opioid receptor and opioid peptide families. Although they have considerable sequence homology to the other family members, they are not considered opioid per se because they do not have pharmacological profiles similar to the other family members. The number of NOP receptors in the brain is higher than the other family members, and NOP receptors can be found throughout the brain. Because of the widespread distribution of NOP receptors, N/OFQ and other peptide and small molecule agonists and antagonists have extensive CNS activities. Originally thought to be anti-opioid, NOP receptor agonists block some opioid activities, potentiate others, and modulate other activities not affected by traditional opiates. Because the effect of receptor activation can be dependent upon site of administration, state of the animal, and other variables, the study of NOP receptors has been fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies. In this article, the actions and controversies pertaining to NOP receptor activation and inhibition are discussed with respect to CNS disorders including pain (acute, chronic, and migraine), drug abuse, anxiety and depression. In addition, progress towards clinical use of NOP receptor-directed compounds is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Meyer ME, Doshi A, Yasuda D, Zaveri NT. Structure-Based SAR in the Design of Selective or Bifunctional Nociceptin (NOP) Receptor Agonists. AAPS JOURNAL 2021; 23:68. [PMID: 33974173 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-021-00589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP), the fourth member of the opioid receptor family, and its endogenous peptide ligand, nociceptin or orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), play a vital role in several central nervous system pathways regulating pain, reward, feeding, anxiety, motor control and learning/memory. Both selective NOP agonists as well as bifunctional agonists at the NOP and mu opioid receptor (MOP) have potential therapeutic applications in CNS disorders related to these processes. Using Surflex-Dock protocols, we conducted a computational structure-activity study of four scaffold classes of NOP ligands with varying NOP-MOP selectivity. By docking these compounds into the orthosteric binding sites within an active-state NOP homology model, and an active-state MOP crystal structure, the goal of this study was to use a structure-based drug design approach to modulate NOP affinity and NOP vs. MOP selectivity. We first docked four parent compounds (no side chain) to determine their binding interactions within the NOP and MOP binding pockets. Various polar sidechains were added to the heterocyclic A-pharmacophore to modulate NOP ligand affinity. The substitutions mainly contained a 1-2 carbon chain with a polar substituent such as an amine, alcohol, sulfamide, or guanidine. The SAR analysis is focused on the impact of structural changes in the sidechain, such as chain length, hydrogen bonding capability, and basic vs neutral functional groups on binding affinity and selectivity at both NOP and MOP receptors. This study highlights structural modifications that can be leveraged to rationally design both selective NOP and bifunctional NOP-MOP agonists with different ratios of functional efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Meyer
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, California, 94043, USA
| | - Arpit Doshi
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, California, 94043, USA
| | - Dennis Yasuda
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, California, 94043, USA
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, California, 94043, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lu JJ, Polgar WE, Mann A, Dasgupta P, Schulz S, Zaveri NT. Differential In Vitro Pharmacological Profiles of Structurally Diverse Nociceptin Receptor Agonists in Activating G Protein and Beta-Arrestin Signaling at the Human Nociceptin Opioid Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:7-18. [PMID: 33958480 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonists at the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor (NOP) are under investigation as therapeutics for nonaddicting analgesia, opioid use disorder, Parkinson's disease, and other indications. NOP full and partial agonists have both been of interest, particularly since NOP partial agonists show a reduced propensity for behavioral disruption than NOP full agonists. Here, we investigated the in vitro pharmacological properties of chemically diverse NOP receptor agonists in assays measuring functional activation of the NOP receptor such as guanosine 5'-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTPγS) binding, cAMP inhibition, G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channel activation, phosphorylation, β-arrestin recruitment and receptor internalization. When normalized to the efficacy of the natural agonist nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), we found that different functional assays that measure intrinsic activity produce inconsistent levels of agonist efficacy, particularly for ligands that were partial agonists. Agonist efficacy obtained in the GTPγS assay tended to be lower than that in the cAMP and GIRK assays. These structurally diverse NOP agonists also showed differential receptor phosphorylation profiles at the phosphosites we examined and induced varying levels of receptor internalization. Interestingly, although the rank order for β-arrestin recruitment by these NOP agonists was consistent with their ability to induce receptor internalization, their phosphorylation signatures at the time point we investigated were not indicative of the levels of β-arrestin recruitment or internalization induced by these agonists. It is possible that other phosphorylation sites, yet to be identified, drive the recruitment of NOP receptor ensembles and subsequent receptor trafficking by some nonpeptide NOP agonists. These findings potentially help understand NOP agonist pharmacology in the context of ligand-activated receptor trafficking. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chemically diverse agonist ligands at the nociceptin opioid receptor G protein-coupled receptor showed differential efficacy for activating downstream events after receptor binding, in a suite of functional assays measuring guanosine 5'-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate binding, cAMP inhibition, G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying protein channel activation, β-arrestin recruitment, receptor internalization and receptor phosphorylation. These analyses provide a context for understanding nociceptin opioid peptide receptor (NOP) agonist pharmacology driven by ligand-induced differential NOP receptor signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Lu
- Astraea Therapeutics, Mountain View, California (J.J.L., W.E.P., N.T.Z.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany (A.M., P.D., S.S.)
| | - Willma E Polgar
- Astraea Therapeutics, Mountain View, California (J.J.L., W.E.P., N.T.Z.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany (A.M., P.D., S.S.)
| | - Anika Mann
- Astraea Therapeutics, Mountain View, California (J.J.L., W.E.P., N.T.Z.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany (A.M., P.D., S.S.)
| | - Pooja Dasgupta
- Astraea Therapeutics, Mountain View, California (J.J.L., W.E.P., N.T.Z.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany (A.M., P.D., S.S.)
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Astraea Therapeutics, Mountain View, California (J.J.L., W.E.P., N.T.Z.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany (A.M., P.D., S.S.)
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Mountain View, California (J.J.L., W.E.P., N.T.Z.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany (A.M., P.D., S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gastelum C, Perez L, Hernandez J, Le N, Vahrson I, Sayers S, Wagner EJ. Adaptive Changes in the Central Control of Energy Homeostasis Occur in Response to Variations in Energy Status. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2728. [PMID: 33800452 PMCID: PMC7962960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy homeostasis is regulated in coordinate fashion by the brain-gut axis, the homeostatic energy balance circuitry in the hypothalamus and the hedonic energy balance circuitry comprising the mesolimbcortical A10 dopamine pathway. Collectively, these systems convey and integrate information regarding nutrient status and the rewarding properties of ingested food, and formulate it into a behavioral response that attempts to balance fluctuations in consumption and food-seeking behavior. In this review we start with a functional overview of the homeostatic and hedonic energy balance circuitries; identifying the salient neural, hormonal and humoral components involved. We then delve into how the function of these circuits differs in males and females. Finally, we turn our attention to the ever-emerging roles of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-two neuropeptides that have garnered increased recognition for their regulatory impact in energy homeostasis-to further probe how the imposed regulation of energy balance circuitry by these peptides is affected by sex and altered under positive (e.g., obesity) and negative (e.g., fasting) energy balance states. It is hoped that this work will impart a newfound appreciation for the intricate regulatory processes that govern energy homeostasis, as well as how recent insights into the N/OFQ and PACAP systems can be leveraged in the treatment of conditions ranging from obesity to anorexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Gastelum
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Lynnea Perez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Jennifer Hernandez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Nikki Le
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Isabella Vahrson
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarah Sayers
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Edward J. Wagner
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (C.G.); (L.P.); (J.H.); (N.L.); (I.V.); (S.S.)
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shamakina IY, Shagiakhmetov FS, Anokhin PK, Kohan VS, Davidova TV. [The role of nociceptin in opioid regulation of brain functions]. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2021; 67:5-16. [PMID: 33645518 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20216701005] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses our current knowledge on the nociceptin/orphanin (N/OFQ) system regarding its role in regulation of brain functions. Nociceptin receptor (NOPr) was identified in 1994 [Bunzow et al., 1994; Mollereau et al., 1994]. In 1995 a 17 amino acid endogenous peptide was found to be the high-affinity ligand for the NOPr [Reinscheid et al., 1995]. N/OFQ has a broad spectrum of activity and can act as on opioid-like as well as an anti-opioid peptide. Considering high level of N/OFQ and NOPr mRNA expression in the limbic brain regions, the N/OFQ/NOP system is suggested to be involved in regulation of emotions, resward, pain sensitivity, stress responsibility, sexual behavior, aggression, drug abuse and addiction. However it is still not well understood whether an increased vulnerability to drugs of abuse may be associated with dysregulation of N/OFQ/NOP system. Current review further highlights a need for further research on N/OFQ/NOP system as it could have clinical utility for substance abuse, depression, and anxiety pharmacotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Yu Shamakina
- V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addiction, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - P K Anokhin
- V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addiction, Moscow, Russia
| | - V S Kohan
- V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addiction, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Davidova
- The Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Driscoll JR, Wallace TL, Mansourian KA, Martin WJ, Margolis EB. Differential Modulation of Ventral Tegmental Area Circuits by the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ System. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0376-19.2020. [PMID: 32747458 PMCID: PMC7840174 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0376-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) can be released by stressors and is associated with disorders of emotion regulation and reward processing. N/OFQ and its receptor, NOP, are enriched in dopaminergic pathways, and intra-ventricular agonist delivery decreases dopamine levels in the dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). We used whole-cell electrophysiology in acute rat midbrain slices to investigate synaptic actions of N/OFQ. N/OFQ was primarily inhibitory, causing outward currents in both immunocytochemically identified dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH(+))) and non-dopaminergic (TH(-)) VTA neurons; effect at 1 μm: 20 ± 4 pA. Surprisingly, this effect was mediated by augmentation of postsynaptic GABAAR currents, unlike the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), where the N/OFQ-induced outward currents were K+ channel dependent. A smaller population, 17% of all VTA neurons, responded to low concentrations of N/OFQ with inward currents (10 nm: -11 ± 2 pA). Following 100 nm N/OFQ, the response to a second N/OFQ application was markedly diminished in VTA neurons (14 ± 10% of first response) but not in SNc neurons (90 ± 20% of first response). N/OFQ generated outward currents in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-projecting VTA neurons, but inward currents in a subset of posterior anterior cingulate cortex (pACC)-projecting VTA neurons. While N/OFQ inhibited NAc-projecting VTA cell bodies, it had little effect on electrically or optogenetically evoked terminal dopamine release in the NAc measured ex vivo with fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). These results extend our understanding of the N/OFQ system in brainstem circuits implicated in many neurobehavioral disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Driscoll
- BlackThorn Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA 94103
- UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | | | - Kasra A Mansourian
- UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | | | - Elyssa B Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Taylor RM, Jeong IH, May MD, Bergman EM, Capaldi VF, Moore NLT, Matson LM, Lowery-Gionta EG. Fear expression is reduced after acute and repeated nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor antagonism in rats: therapeutic implications for traumatic stress exposure. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2943-2958. [PMID: 32588078 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Evaluation of pharmacotherapies for acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is challenging due to robust heterogeneity of trauma histories and limited efficacy of any single candidate to reduce all stress-induced effects. Pursuing novel mechanisms, such as the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) system, may be a viable path for therapeutic development and of interest as it is involved in regulation of relevant behaviors and recently implicated in PTSD and ASD. OBJECTIVES First, we evaluated NOP receptor antagonism on general behavioral performance and again following a three-species predator exposure model (Experiment 1). Then, we evaluated effects of NOP antagonism on fear memory expression (Experiment 2). METHODS Adult, male rats underwent daily administration of NOP antagonists (J-113397 or SB-612,111; 0-20 mg/kg, i.p.) and testing in acoustic startle, elevated plus maze, tail-flick, and open field tests. Effects of acute NOP antagonism on behavioral performance following predator exposure were then assessed. Separately, rats underwent fear conditioning and were later administered SB-612,111 (0-3 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to fear memory expression tests. RESULTS J-113397 and SB-612,111 did not significantly alter most general behavioral performance measures alone, suggesting minimal off-target behavioral effects of NOP antagonism. J-113397 and SB-612,111 restored performance in measures of exploratory behavior (basic movements on the elevated plus maze and total distance in the open field) following predator exposure. Additionally, SB-612,111 significantly reduced freezing behavior relative to control groups across repeated fear memory expression tests, suggesting NOP antagonism may be useful in dampening fear responses. Other measures of general behavioral performance were not significantly altered following predator exposure. CONCLUSIONS NOP antagonists may be useful as pharmacotherapeutics for dampening fear responses to trauma reminders, and the present results provide supporting evidence for the implication of the NOP system in the neuropathophysiology of dysregulations in fear learning and memory processes observed in trauma- and stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Taylor
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| | - Isaac H Jeong
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Matthew D May
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Bergman
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Vincent F Capaldi
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Nicole L T Moore
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Liana M Matson
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Emily G Lowery-Gionta
- Behavioral Biology Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wei H, Zhang T, Zhan CG, Zheng F. Cebranopadol reduces cocaine self-administration in male rats: Dose, treatment and safety consideration. Neuropharmacology 2020; 172:108128. [PMID: 32389751 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a novel first-in-class potent analgesic acting as an agonist of multiple opioid receptors, cebranopadol showed high efficacy and good tolerability in a broad range of preclinical models and clinical trials related to pain. In the present study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cebranopadol as a potential treatment of cocaine dependence, we tested the effects of cebranopadol with single and repeated doses (25, 50, 75, or 100 μg/kg, oral gavage) using rat models of cocaine fixed-ratio (FR) self-administration (SA), cocaine progressive-ratio (PR) SA, and sucrose pellet SA. In single-dosing treatment paradigm, cebranopadol significantly and dose-dependently reduced cocaine SA under FR and PR schedules and suppressed food intake under FR schedule without causing apparent side effects. In repeated-dosing treatment scheme, i.e. daily administration of 25, 50, 75, or 100 μg/kg cebranopadol for a week, the similar reduction in cocaine intake was detected, while non-negligible complications/side effects were observed at repeated high doses (75 and 100 μg/kg). The observed side effects were similar to the common toxic signs elicited by heroin at high doses, although cebranopadol did not fully substitute heroin's discriminative stimulant effects in our drug discriminative tests. These results demonstrated that the most appropriate oral dose of cebranopadol to balance the efficacy and safety is 50 μg/kg. Collectively, although cebranopadol may serve as a new treatment for cocaine dependence, more consideration, cautiousness, and a clear optimal dose window to dissociate its therapeutic effects from opioid side effects/complications in male and female subjects will be necessary to increase its practical clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Wei
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ting Zhang
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Fang Zheng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kiguchi N, Ding H, Ko MC. Therapeutic potentials of NOP and MOP receptor coactivation for the treatment of pain and opioid abuse. J Neurosci Res 2020; 100:191-202. [PMID: 32255240 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Following the identification of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) as an endogenous ligand for the NOP receptor, ample evidence has revealed unique functional profiles of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system. NOP receptors are expressed in key neural substrates involved in pain and reward modulation. In nonhuman primates (NHPs), NOP receptor activation effectively exerts antinociception and anti-hypersensitivity at the spinal and supraspinal levels. Moreover, NOP receptor activation inhibits dopaminergic transmission and synergistically enhances mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor-mediated analgesia. In this article, we have discussed the functional profiles of ligands with dual NOP and MOP receptor agonist activities and highlight their optimal functional efficacy for pain relief and drug abuse treatment. Through coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor "partial" agonists (e.g., AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038) reveal a wider therapeutic window with fewer side effects. These newly developed ligands potently induce antinociception without MOP receptor agonist-associated side effects such as abuse potential, respiratory depression, itching sensation, and physical dependence. In addition, in both rodent and NHP models, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists can attenuate reward processing and/or the reinforcing effects of opioids and other abused drugs. While a mixed NOP/opioid receptor "full" agonist cebranopadol is undergoing clinical trials, bifunctional NOP/MOP "partial" agonists exhibit promising therapeutic profiles in translational NHP models for the treatment of pain and opioid abuse. This class of drugs demonstrates the therapeutic advantage of NOP and MOP receptor coactivation, indicating a greater potential for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Borruto AM, Fotio Y, Stopponi S, Brunori G, Petrella M, Caputi FF, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Narendran R, Rorick-Kehn LM, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. NOP receptor antagonism reduces alcohol drinking in male and female rats through mechanisms involving the central amygdala and ventral tegmental area. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1525-1537. [PMID: 31713848 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its cognate receptor (NOP) are widely expressed in mesolimbic brain regions where they play an important role in modulating reward and motivation. Early evidence suggested that NOP receptor activation attenuates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, including alcohol. However, emerging data indicate that NOP receptor blockade also effectively attenuates alcohol drinking and relapse. To advance our understanding of the role of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in alcohol abuse, we examined the effect of NOP receptor blockade on voluntary alcohol drinking at the neurocircuitry level. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using male and female genetically selected alcohol-preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats, we initially evaluated the effects of the selective NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (3, 10, and 30 mg·kg-1 , p.o.) on alcohol consumption in a two-bottle free-choice paradigm. We then microinjected LY2817412 (3 and 6 μg·μl-1 per rat) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAc). KEY RESULTS Peripheral LY2817412 administration dose-dependently and selectively reduced voluntary alcohol intake in male and female msP rats. Central injections of LY2817412 markedly attenuated voluntary alcohol intake in both sexes following administration in the CeA and VTA but not in the NAc. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The present results revealed that the CeA and VTA are neuroanatomical substrates that mediate the effects of NOP receptor antagonism on alcohol consumption. Overall, our findings support the potential of NOP receptor antagonism as a treatment strategy to attenuate alcohol use and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yannick Fotio
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Gloria Brunori
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rajesh Narendran
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda M Rorick-Kehn
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mercatelli D, Bezard E, Eleopra R, Zaveri NT, Morari M. Managing Parkinson's disease: moving ON with NOP. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:28-47. [PMID: 31648371 PMCID: PMC6976791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid-like neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP receptor) contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor complications associated with levodopa therapy. The N/OFQ-NOP receptor system is expressed in cortical and subcortical motor areas and, notably, in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra compacta. Dopamine depletion, as in rodent models of PD results in up-regulation of N/OFQ transmission in the substantia nigra and down-regulation of N/OFQ transmission in the striatum. Consistent with this, NOP receptor antagonists relieve motor deficits in PD models by reinstating the physiological balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs impinging on nigro-thalamic GABAergic neurons. NOP receptor antagonists also counteract the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, possibly by attenuating the excitotoxicity or modulating the immune response. Conversely, NOP receptor agonists attenuate levodopa-induced dyskinesia by attenuating the hyperactivation of striatal D1 receptor signalling in neurons of the direct striatonigral pathway. The N/OFQ-NOP receptor system might represent a novel target in the therapy of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of Ferrara and National Institute of NeuroscienceFerraraItaly
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293Université de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5293BordeauxFrance
| | - Roberto Eleopra
- Neurology Unit 1Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Nurulain T. Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry DivisionMountain ViewCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of Ferrara and National Institute of NeuroscienceFerraraItaly
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ilie IR. Neurotransmitter, neuropeptide and gut peptide profile in PCOS-pathways contributing to the pathophysiology, food intake and psychiatric manifestations of PCOS. Adv Clin Chem 2019; 96:85-135. [PMID: 32362321 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major health problem with a heterogeneous hormone-imbalance and clinical presentation across the lifespan of women. Increased androgen production and abnormal gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release and gonadotropin secretion, resulting in chronic anovulation are well-known features of the PCOS. The brain is both at the top of the neuroendocrine axis regulating ovarian function and a sensitive target of peripheral gonadal hormones and peptides. Current literature illustrates that neurotransmitters regulate various functions of the body, including reproduction, mood and body weight. Neurotransmitter alteration could be one of the reasons for disturbed GnRH release, consequently directing the ovarian dysfunction in PCOS, since there is plenty evidence for altered catecholamine metabolism and brain serotonin or opioid activity described in PCOS. Further, the dysregulated neurotransmitter and neuropeptide profile in PCOS could also be the reason for low self-esteem, anxiety, mood swings and depression or obesity, features closely associated with PCOS women. Can these altered central brain circuits, or the disrupted gut-brain axis be the tie that would both explain and link the pathogenesis of this disorder, the occurrence of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders as well as of obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal appetite in PCOS? This review intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of what is known about the relatively understudied, but very complex role that neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and gut peptides play in PCOS. The answer to the above question may help the development of drugs to specifically target these central and peripheral circuits, thereby providing a valuable treatment for PCOS patients that present to the clinic with GnRH/LH hypersecretion, obesity or psychiatric manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana R Ilie
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Iuliu-Hatieganu', Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Park JY, Chae S, Kim CS, Kim YJ, Yi HJ, Han E, Joo Y, Hong S, Yun JW, Kim H, Shin KH. Role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and nociceptin opioid peptide receptor in depression and antidepressant effects of nociceptin opioid peptide receptor antagonists. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 23:427-448. [PMID: 31680765 PMCID: PMC6819898 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2019.23.6.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor, nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, are localized in brain areas implicated in depression including the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, habenula, and monoaminergic nuclei in the brain stem. N/OFQ inhibits neuronal excitability of monoaminergic neurons and monoamine release from their terminals by activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels and inhibition of voltage sensitive calcium channels, respectively. Therefore, NOP receptor antagonists have been proposed as a potential antidepressant. Indeed, mounting evidence shows that NOP receptor antagonists have antidepressant-like effects in various preclinical animal models of depression, and recent clinical studies again confirmed the idea that blockade of NOP receptor signaling could provide a novel strategy for the treatment of depression. In this review, we describe the pharmacological effects of N/OFQ in relation to depression and explore the possible mechanism of NOP receptor antagonists as potential antidepressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Yung Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Suji Chae
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Chang Seop Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yoon Jae Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Eunjoo Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Youngshin Joo
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Surim Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jae Won Yun
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyojung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zingale GA, Bellia F, Ahmed IMM, Mielczarek P, Silberring J, Grasso G. IDE Degrades Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ through an Insulin Regulated Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4447. [PMID: 31509943 PMCID: PMC6770469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) was applied to catalyze hydrolysis of Nociceptin/Orphanin 1-16 (OFQ/N) to show the involvement of the enzyme in degradation of neuropeptides engaged in pain transmission. Moreover, IDE degradative action towards insulin (Ins) was inhibited by the OFQ/N fragments, suggesting a possible regulatory mechanism in the central nervous system. It has been found that OFQ/N and Ins affect each other degradation by IDE, although in a different manner. Indeed, while the digestion of OFQ/N is significantly affected by the presence of Ins, the kinetic profile of the Ins hydrolysis is not affected by the presence of OFQ/N. However, the main hydrolytic fragments of OFQ/N produced by IDE exert inhibitory activity towards the IDE-mediated Ins degradation. Here, we present the results indicating that, besides Ins, IDE cleaves neuropeptides and their released fragments act as inhibitors of IDE activity toward Ins. Having in mind that IDE is present in the brain, which also contains Ins receptors, it cannot be excluded that this enzyme indirectly participates in neural communication of pain signals and that neuropeptides involved in pain transmission may contribute to the regulation of IDE activity. Finally, preliminary results on the metabolism of OFQ/N, carried out in the rat spinal cord homogenate in the presence of various inhibitors specific for different classes of proteases, show that OFQ/N proteolysis in rat spinal cord could be due, besides IDE, also to a cysteine protease not yet identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Przemyslaw Mielczarek
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurobiology, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza Ave. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Silberring
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurobiology, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza Ave. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
- Centre for Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M.Curie-Sklodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Giuseppe Grasso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wright DM, Small KM, Nag S, Mokha SS. Activation of Membrane Estrogen Receptors Attenuates NOP-Mediated Tactile Antihypersensitivity in a Rodent Model of Neuropathic Pain. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9060147. [PMID: 31234278 PMCID: PMC6628583 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9060147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women manifest a higher prevalence of several chronic pain disorders compared to men. We demonstrated earlier that estrogen rapidly attenuates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP)-mediated thermal antinociception through the activation of membrane estrogen receptors (mERs). However, the effect of mER activation on NOP-mediated attenuation of tactile hypersensitivity in a neuropathic model of pain and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Following spared nerve injury (SNI), male and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were intrathecally (i.t.) injected with a selective mER agonist and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the endogenous ligand for NOP, and their effects on paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were tested. In addition, spinal cord tissue was used to measure changes in phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and protein kinase B (Akt) levels. SNI significantly reduced PWTs in males and OVX females, indicating tactile hypersensitivity. N/OFQ restored PWTs, indicating an antihypersensitive effect. Selective mER activation attenuated the effect of N/OFQ in an antagonist-reversible manner. SNI led to a robust increase in the phosphorylation of ERK, PKA, PKC, and Akt. However, mER activation did not further affect it. Thus, we conclude that activation of mERs rapidly abolishes NOP-mediated tactile antihypersensitivity following SNI via an ERK-, PKA-, PKC-, and Akt-independent mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danyeal M Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancel Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
| | - Keri M Small
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancel Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
| | - Subodh Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancel Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
| | - Sukhbir S Mokha
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancel Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li H, Hu B, Zhang HP, Boyle CA, Lei S. Roles of K + and cation channels in ORL-1 receptor-mediated depression of neuronal excitability and epileptic activities in the medial entorhinal cortex. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:144-158. [PMID: 30998945 PMCID: PMC6500758 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin (NOP) is an endogenous opioid-like peptide that selectively activates the opioid receptor-like (ORL-1) receptors. The entorhinal cortex (EC) is closely related to temporal lobe epilepsy and expresses high densities of ORL-1 receptors. However, the functions of NOP in the EC, especially in modulating the epileptiform activity in the EC, have not been determined. We demonstrated that activation of ORL-1 receptors remarkably inhibited the epileptiform activity in entorhinal slices induced by application of picrotoxin or by deprivation of extracellular Mg2+. NOP-mediated depression of epileptiform activity was independent of synaptic transmission in the EC, but mediated by inhibition of neuronal excitability in the EC. NOP hyperpolarized entorhinal neurons via activation of K+ channels and inhibition of cation channels. Whereas application of Ba2+ at 300 μM which is effective for the inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels slightly inhibited NOP-induced hyperpolarization, the current-voltage (I-V) curve of the net currents induced by NOP was linear without showing inward rectification. However, a role of NOP-induced inhibition of cation channels was revealed after inhibition of Kir channels by Ba2+. Furthermore, NOP-mediated augmentation of membrane currents was differently affected by application of the blockers selective for distinct subfamilies of Kir channels. Whereas SCH23390 or ML133 blocked NOP-induced augmentation of membrane currents at negative potentials, application of tertiapin-Q exerted no actions on NOP-induced alteration of membrane currents. Our results demonstrated a novel cellular and molecular mechanism whereby activation of ORL-1 receptors depresses epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Binqi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Hao-Peng Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Cody A Boyle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Saobo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mann A, Moulédous L, Froment C, O'Neill PR, Dasgupta P, Günther T, Brunori G, Kieffer BL, Toll L, Bruchas MR, Zaveri NT, Schulz S. Agonist-selective NOP receptor phosphorylation correlates in vitro and in vivo and reveals differential post-activation signaling by chemically diverse agonists. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/574/eaau8072. [PMID: 30914485 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau8072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Agonists of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, a member of the opioid receptor family, are under active investigation as novel analgesics, but their modes of signaling are less well characterized than those of other members of the opioid receptor family. Therefore, we investigated whether different NOP receptor ligands showed differential signaling or functional selectivity at the NOP receptor. Using newly developed phosphosite-specific antibodies to the NOP receptor, we found that agonist-induced NOP receptor phosphorylation occurred primarily at four carboxyl-terminal serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr) residues, namely, Ser346, Ser351, Thr362, and Ser363, and proceeded with a temporal hierarchy, with Ser346 as the first site of phosphorylation. G protein-coupled receptor kinases 2 and 3 (GRK2/3) cooperated during agonist-induced phosphorylation, which, in turn, facilitated NOP receptor desensitization and internalization. A comparison of structurally distinct NOP receptor agonists revealed dissociation in functional efficacies between G protein-dependent signaling and receptor phosphorylation. Furthermore, in NOP-eGFP and NOP-eYFP mice, NOP receptor agonists induced multisite phosphorylation and internalization in a dose-dependent and agonist-selective manner that could be blocked by specific antagonists. Our study provides new tools to study ligand-activated NOP receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo. Differential agonist-selective NOP receptor phosphorylation by chemically diverse NOP receptor agonists suggests that differential signaling by NOP receptor agonists may play a role in NOP receptor ligand pharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Mann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, Jena 07747, Germany.
| | - Lionel Moulédous
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Center for Integrative Biology, Toulouse University, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse Cedex 09, France
| | - Carine Froment
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31077 Toulouse Cedex 04, France
| | - Patrick R O'Neill
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Pooja Dasgupta
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Gloria Brunori
- Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, Jena 07747, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Obeng S, Wang H, Jali A, Stevens DL, Akbarali HI, Dewey WL, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of 6α- and 6β-Indolylacetamidonaltrexamine Derivatives as Bitopic Mu Opioid Receptor Modulators and Elaboration of the "Message-Address Concept" To Comprehend Their Functional Conversion. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1075-1090. [PMID: 30156823 PMCID: PMC6405326 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of numerous opioid ligands have shown that introduction of a methyl or ethyl group on the tertiary amino group at position 17 of the epoxymorphinan skeleton generally results in a mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist while introduction of a cyclopropylmethyl group typically leads to an antagonist. Furthermore, it has been shown that introduction of heterocyclic ring systems at position 6 can favor antagonism. However, it was reported that 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-[(2'-indolyl)acetamido]morphinan (INTA), which bears a cyclopropylmethyl group at position 17 and an indole ring at position 6, acted as a MOR agonist. We herein report a SAR study on INTA with a series of its complementary derivatives to understand how introduction of an indole moiety with α or β linkage at position 6 of the epoxymorphinan skeleton may influence ligand function. Interestingly, one of INTA derivatives, compound 15 (NAN) was identified as a MOR antagonist both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular modeling studies revealed that INTA and NAN may interact with different domains of the MOR allosteric binding site. In addition, INTA may interact with W293 and N150 residues found in the orthosteric site to stabilize MOR activation conformation while NAN does not. These results suggest that INTA and NAN may be bitopic ligands and the type of allosteric interactions with the MOR influence their functional activity. These insights along with our enriched comprehension of the "message-address" concept will to benefit future ligand design.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Allosteric Regulation/drug effects
- Allosteric Regulation/physiology
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Male
- Mice
- Narcotic Antagonists/chemistry
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Protein Binding/physiology
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/physiology
- Structure-Activity Relationship
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Abdulmajeed Jali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David L. Stevens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Hamid I. Akbarali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - William L. Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Dana E. Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cunningham CW, Elballa WM, Vold SU. Bifunctional opioid receptor ligands as novel analgesics. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:195-207. [PMID: 30858102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged treatment of chronic severe pain with opioid analgesics is frought with problematic adverse effects including tolerance, dependence, and life-threatening respiratory depression. Though these effects are mediated predominately through preferential activation of μ opioid peptide (μOP) receptors, there is an emerging appreciation that actions at κOP and δOP receptors contribute to the observed pharmacologic and behavioral profile of μOP receptor agonists and may be targeted simultaneously to afford improved analgesic effects. Recent developments have also identified the related nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor as a key modulator of the effects of μOP receptor signaling. We review here the available literature describing OP neurotransmitter systems and highlight recent drug and probe design strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Waleed M Elballa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI, USA.
| | - Stephanie U Vold
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wu B, Liu Y, Liu F, Deng Q, Wang J, Han R, Zhang D, Chen J, Wei J. The antinociceptive effects and molecular mechanisms of ghrelin(1–7)-NH2 at the supraspinal level in acute pain in mice. Brain Res Bull 2019; 146:112-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
43
|
Hernandez J, Fabelo C, Perez L, Moore C, Chang R, Wagner EJ. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ modulates energy homeostasis through inhibition of neurotransmission at VMN SF-1/ARC POMC synapses in a sex- and diet-dependent manner. Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:9. [PMID: 30755252 PMCID: PMC6373052 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orphanin FQ (aka nociceptin; N/OFQ) binds to its nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor expressed in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARC), a critical anorexigenic component of the hypothalamic energy balance circuitry. It inhibits POMC neurons by modifying neuronal excitability both pre- and postsynaptically. We tested the hypothesis that N/OFQ inhibits neurotransmission at synapses involving steroidogenic factor (SF)-1 neurons in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) and ARC POMC neurons in a sex- and diet-dependent fashion. METHODS Electrophysiological recordings were done in intact male and in cycling and ovariectomized female NR5A1-Cre and eGFP-POMC mice. Energy homeostasis was assessed in wildtype animals following intra-ARC injections of N/OFQ or its saline vehicle. RESULTS N/OFQ (1 μM) decreased light-evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (leEPSC) amplitude more so in males than in diestrus or proestrus females, which was further accentuated in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed males. N/OFQ elicited a more robust outward current and increase in conductance in males than in diestrus, proestrus, and estrus females. These pleiotropic actions of N/OFQ were abrogated by the NOP receptor antagonist BAN ORL-24 (10 μM). In ovariectomized female eGFP-POMC mice, 17β-estradiol (E2; 100 nM) attenuated the N/OFQ-induced postsynaptic response. SF-1 neurons from NR5A1-Cre mice also displayed a robust N/OFQ-induced outward current and increase in conductance that was sexually differentiated and suppressed by E2. Finally, intra-ARC injections of N/OFQ increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure, which was further potentiated by exposure to HFD and diminished by estradiol benzoate (20 μg/kg; s.c.). CONCLUSION These findings show that males are more responsive to the pleiotropic actions of N/OFQ at anorexigenic VMN SF-1/ARC POMC synapses, and this responsiveness can be further enhanced under conditions of diet-induced obesity/insulin resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hernandez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Carolina Fabelo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Lynnea Perez
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Clare Moore
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Chang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Edward J Wagner
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Erdei AI, Borbély A, Magyar A, Szűcs E, Ötvös F, Gombos D, Al-Khrasani M, Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Luisi G, Mollica A, Benyhe S. Biochemical and pharmacological investigation of novel nociceptin/OFQ analogues and N/OFQ-RYYRIK hybrid peptides. Peptides 2019; 112:106-113. [PMID: 30513351 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous ligand nociceptin (N/OFQ) and a positively charged synthetic peptide RYYRIK are both selective for the nociceptin opioid receptor (NOPr). Despite their structural dissimilarity, N/OFQ and RYYRIK compete for the same binding site of NOP receptor possessing full and partial agonistic character, respectively. In the view of the message-address concept, hybrid peptide constructs were probed for the NOP receptor combining different regions of N/OFQ and RYYRIK related peptide sequences. Nine novel nociceptin- or Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 peptide variants or hybrid peptides were synthesized and characterized. Peptides P2 and P8 contain fragments of native N/OFQ. The other seven analogues (P1, P3-7, P9) are composed of Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 fragments and parts of the original nociceptin sequence. The analogues were characterized in receptor binding assays and G-protein activation experiments on rat brain membranes, as well as by electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens bioassay. In receptor binding assays ligands P2, P4, P6 (Ki 0.37 nM) and P7 showed higher affinity (Ki 0.65 nM, 0.6 nM, 0.37 nM and 0.44 nM, respectively) for NOP receptor than their parent compounds N/OFQ (Ki 2.8 nM) or Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 (Ki 4.2 nM). In [35S]GTPγS binding experiments P2 and P3 behaved as full agonists. The other variants exhibited partial agonist properties characterized by submaximal stimulatory effects. In mouse vas deferens bioassay only P2 showed agonist activity. P4, P5, P6 inhibited the biological activity of N/OFQ more effectively than the NOP receptor selective antagonist JTC-801. In summary, hybrid peptides P4, P5 and P6 proved to be NOP receptor partial agonists even antagonists, while P2 peptide retained the full agonist property.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna I Erdei
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary; Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adina Borbély
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117, Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Hungary
| | - Anna Magyar
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117, Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary; Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Ötvös
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary
| | - Dávid Gombos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary
| | - Mahmoud Al-Khrasani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, H-1445 Budapest, Nagyvárad tér 4., Hungary
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università̀ degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università̀ degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Grazia Luisi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università̀ degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università̀ degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62., Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Since the discovery of the NOP receptor and N/OFQ as the endogenous ligand, evidence has appeared demonstrating the involvement of this receptor system in pain. This was not surprising for members of the opioid receptor and peptide families, particularly since both the receptor and N/OFQ are highly expressed in brain regions involved in pain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. What has been surprising is the complicated picture that has emerged from 25 years of research. The original finding that N/OFQ decreased tail flick and hotplate latency, when administered i.c.v., led to the hypothesis that NOP receptor antagonists could have analgesic activity without abuse liability. However, as data accumulated, it became clear that not only the potency but the activity per se was different when N/OFQ or small molecule NOP agonists were administered in the brain versus the spinal cord and it also depended upon the pain assay used. When administered systemically, NOP receptor agonists are generally ineffective in attenuating heat pain but are antinociceptive in an acute inflammatory pain model. Most antagonists administered systemically have no antinociceptive activity of their own, even though selective peptide NOP antagonists have potent antinociceptive activity when administered i.c.v. Chronic pain models provide different results as well, as small molecule NOP receptor agonists have potent anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic activity after systemic administration. A considerable number of electrophysiological and anatomical experiments, in particular with NOP-eGFP mice, have been conducted in an attempt to explain the complicated profile resulting from NOP receptor modulation, to examine receptor plasticity, and to elucidate mechanisms by which selective NOP agonists, bifunctional NOP/mu agonists, or NOP receptor antagonists modulate acute and chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor-related ligands have been demonstrated in preclinical studies for several therapeutic applications. This article highlights (1) how nonhuman primates (NHP) were used to facilitate the development and application of positron emission tomography tracers in humans; (2) effects of an endogenous NOP ligand, nociceptin/orphanin FQ, and its interaction with mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists; and (3) promising functional profiles of NOP-related agonists in NHP as analgesics and treatment for substance use disorders. NHP models offer the most phylogenetically appropriate evaluation of opioid and non-opioid receptor functions and drug effects. Based on preclinical and clinical data of ligands with mixed NOP/MOP receptor agonist activity, several factors including their intrinsic efficacies for activating NOP versus MOP receptors and different study endpoints in NHP could contribute to different pharmacological profiles. Ample evidence from NHP studies indicates that bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists have opened an exciting avenue for developing safe, effective medications with fewer side effects for treating pain and drug addiction. In particular, bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists hold a great potential as (1) effective spinal analgesics without itch side effects; (2) safe, nonaddictive analgesics without opioid side effects such as respiratory depression; and (3) effective medications for substance use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Reinscheid RK, Civelli O. The History of N/OFQ and the NOP Receptor. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 254:3-16. [PMID: 30689090 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) marks the genuine start of the reverse pharmacology era, when systematic hunting for ligands of orphan receptors began. The choice of this particular target was no coincidence as the orphan receptor ORL-1 displayed high similarity to known opioid receptors, and thus its elusive ligand held promise to find more than a ligand but a missing opioid peptide. N/OFQ indeed turned out to belong to the opioid peptide family, but with significant pharmacological and functional distinctions. The quest for understanding N/OFQ's physiological functions has produced some novel insights into stress regulation and many other body functions but is still ongoing almost 25 years after its discovery. This chapter highlights the early steps of orphan receptor research and some of the protagonists who helped to advance the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K Reinscheid
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Caputi FF, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Regulation of the Genes Encoding the ppN/OFQ and NOP Receptor. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 254:141-162. [PMID: 30689088 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, the ability of N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in modulating several physiological functions, including the release of neurotransmitters, anxiety-like behavior responses, modulation of the reward circuitry, inflammatory signaling, nociception, and motor function, has been examined in several brain regions and at spinal level. This chapter collects information related to the genes encoding the ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor, their regulation, and relative transcriptional control mechanisms. Furthermore, genetic manipulations, polymorphisms, and epigenetic alterations associated with different pathological conditions are discussed. The evidence here collected indicates that the study of ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor gene expression may offer novel opportunities in the field of personalized therapies and highlights this system as a good "druggable target" for different pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tangherlini G, Kalinin DV, Schepmann D, Che T, Mykicki N, Ständer S, Loser K, Wünsch B. Development of Novel Quinoxaline-Based κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Neuroinflammation. J Med Chem 2018; 62:893-907. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tangherlini
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dmitrii V. Kalinin
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nadine Mykicki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, von-Esmarch-Street 58, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- CRC1009 Breaking Barriers and CRC-TR 128 Multiple Sclerosis, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, von-Esmarch-Street 58, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Karin Loser
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, von-Esmarch-Street 58, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- CRC1009 Breaking Barriers and CRC-TR 128 Multiple Sclerosis, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003—CiM), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie der Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003—CiM), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Micevych PE, Sinchak K. Extranuclear signaling by ovarian steroids in the regulation of sexual receptivity. Horm Behav 2018; 104:4-14. [PMID: 29753716 PMCID: PMC6240501 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Micevych
- Dept of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the UCLA Brain Research Institute, United States
| | - Kevin Sinchak
- Dept of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, United States.
| |
Collapse
|