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Cai X, Hu S, Liu W, Yin Y, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Lu B, Wang Y, Wang D, Chen J. Apelin Receptor Homodimerisation Inhibits Hippocampal Neuronal Autophagy via G Protein-Dependent Signalling in Vascular Dementia. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04383-2. [PMID: 39042220 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD), a progressive vascular cognitive impairment, is characterised by the presence of cerebral hypoperfusion, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and white matter lesions. Although current treatment strategies primarily focus on risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, efficient and targeted therapies are lacking and the underlying mechanisms of VD remain unclear. We previously discovered that Apelin receptors (APJ), which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), can homodimerize and generate signals that are distinct from those of APJ monomers in VD rats. Apelin-13 reduces the level of APJ homodimers and leads to the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus area, suggesting that it has a neuroprotective role. In this study, we established a rat and cellular oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation VD model to investigate the impact of APJ homodimerisation on autophagy. We found that APJ homodimers protect against VD by inhibiting autophagy through the Gαq and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways upon Gαi signalling, both in vivo and in vitro. This discovery provides a promising therapeutic target for chronic cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion diseases and an experimental foundation for the development of drugs that target APJ homodimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Shujuan Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Wenkai Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Yue Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Yunlu Jiang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, P.R. China
| | - Yixiang Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Lu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Yuliang Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China
| | - Dexiu Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261042, P.R. China.
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, P.R. China.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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Luginina AP, Khnykin AN, Khorn PA, Moiseeva OV, Safronova NA, Pospelov VA, Dashevskii DE, Belousov AS, Borschevskiy VI, Mishin AV. Rational Design of Drugs Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Ligand Search and Screening. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:958-972. [PMID: 38880655 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924050158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that participate in many physiological processes and represent major pharmacological targets. Recent advances in structural biology of GPCRs have enabled the development of drugs based on the receptor structure (structure-based drug design, SBDD). SBDD utilizes information about the receptor-ligand complex to search for suitable compounds, thus expanding the chemical space of possible receptor ligands without the need for experimental screening. The review describes the use of structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) for GPCR ligands and approaches for the functional testing of potential drug compounds, as well as discusses recent advances and successful examples in the application of SBDD for the identification of GPCR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra P Luginina
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Andrey N Khnykin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Polina A Khorn
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Olga V Moiseeva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Safronova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Pospelov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Dmitrii E Dashevskii
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Anatolii S Belousov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Valentin I Borschevskiy
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
- Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow Region, 141980, Russia
| | - Alexey V Mishin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
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Zhang M, Chiozzi RZ, Bromfield EG, Heck AJR, Helms JB, Gadella BM. Characterization of acrosin and acrosin binding protein as novel CRISP2 interacting proteins in boar spermatozoa. Andrology 2023; 11:1460-1471. [PMID: 36815564 PMCID: PMC10947329 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we reported that cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 is involved in high molecular weight complexes in boar spermatozoa. These cysteine-rich secretory protein 2protein complexes are formed at the last phase of sperm formation in the testis and play a role in sperm shaping and functioning. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 interacting partners. These binding partner interactions were investigated under different conditions, namely, non-capacitating conditions, after the induction of in vitro sperm capacitation and subsequently during an ionophore A23187-induced acrosome reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The incubated pig sperm samples were subjected to protein extraction. Extracted proteins were subjected to blue native gel electrophoresis and native immunoblots. Immunoreactive gel bands were excised and subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for protein identification. Protein extracts were also subjected to CRISP2 immunoprecipitation and analyzed by LC-MS for protein identification. The most prominent cystein-rich secretory protein 2 interacting proteins that appeared in both independent LC-MS analyses were studied with a functional in situ proximity interaction assay to validate their property to interact with cystein-rich secretory protein 2 in pig sperm. RESULTS Blue native gel electrophoresis and native immunoblots revealed that cystein-rich secretory protein 2 was present within a ∼150 kDa protein complex under all three conditions. Interrogation of cystein-rich secretory-protein 2-immunoreactive bands from blue native gels as well as cystein-rich secretory protein 2 immunoprecipitated products using mass spectrometry consistently revealed that, beyond cystein-rich secretory protein 2, acrosin and acrosin binding protein were among the most abundant interacting proteins and did interact under all three conditions. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting indicated that cystein-rich secretory protein 2 interacted with pro-acrosin (∼53 kDa) and Aacrosin binding protein under all three conditions and additionally to acrosin (∼35 kDa) after capacitation and the acrosome reaction. The colocalization of these interacting proteins with cystein-rich secretory protein 2 was assessed via in situ proximity ligation assays. The colocalization signal of cystein-rich secretory protein 2 and acrosin in the acrosome seemed dispersed after capacitation but was consistently present in the sperm tail under all conditions. The fluorescent foci of cystein-rich secretory protein 2 and acrsin binding protein colocalization appeared to be redistributed within the sperm head from the anterior acrosome to the post-acrosomal sheath region upon capacitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These results suggest that CRISP2 may act as a scaffold for protein complex formation and dissociation to ensure the correct positioning of proteins required for the acrosome reaction and zona pellucida penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Zenezini Chiozzi
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and ProteomicsBijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Albert JR Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and ProteomicsBijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Benhadda A, Delhaye C, Moutkine I, Marques X, Russeau M, Le Magueresse C, Roumier A, Lévi S, Maroteaux L. 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2B receptor interaction and co-clustering regulate serotonergic neuron excitability. iScience 2023; 26:107401. [PMID: 37575185 PMCID: PMC10415917 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many psychiatric diseases have been associated with serotonin (5-HT) neuron dysfunction. The firing of 5-HT neurons is known to be under 5-HT1A receptor-mediated autoinhibition, but functional consequences of coexpressed receptors are unknown. Using co-immunoprecipitation, BRET, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy in hippocampal and 5-HT neurons, we present evidence that 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors can form heterodimers and co-cluster at the plasma membrane of dendrites. Selective agonist stimulation of coexpressed 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors prevents 5-HT1A receptor internalization and increases 5-HT2B receptor membrane clustering. Current clamp recordings of 5-HT neurons revealed that 5-HT1A receptor stimulation of acute slices from mice lacking 5-HT2B receptors in 5-HT neurons increased their firing activity trough Ca2+-activated potassium channel inhibition compared to 5-HT neurons from control mice. This work supports the hypothesis that the relative expression of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors tunes the neuronal excitability of serotonergic neurons through potassium channel regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Benhadda
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Célia Delhaye
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Imane Moutkine
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Marques
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marion Russeau
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Corentin Le Magueresse
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anne Roumier
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sabine Lévi
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Luc Maroteaux
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, U1270 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
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5
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Franco R, Navarro G. Neuroprotection afforded by targeting G protein-coupled receptors in heteromers and by heteromer-selective drugs. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1222158. [PMID: 37521478 PMCID: PMC10373065 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1222158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the target of hundreds of approved drugs. Although these drugs were designed to target individual receptors, it is becoming increasingly apparent that GPCRs interact with each other to form heteromers. Approved drug targets are often part of a GPCR heteromer, and therefore new drugs can be developed with heteromers in mind. This review presents several strategies to selectively target GPCRs in heteromeric contexts, namely, taking advantage of i) heteromer-mediated biased agonism/signalling, ii) discovery of drugs with higher affinity for the receptor if it is part of a heteromer (heteromer selective drugs), iii) allosteric compounds directed against the interacting transmembrane domains and, eventually, iv) antagonists that block both GPCRs in a heteromer. Heteromers provide unique allosteric sites that should help designing a new type of drug that by definition would be a heteromer selective drug. The review also provides examples of rhodopsin-like class A receptors in heteromers that could be targeted to neuroprotect and/or delay the progression of diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. GPCRs in heteromers (GriH) with the potential to address dyskinesias, a common complication of dopaminergic replacement therapy in parkinsonian patients, are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- CiberNed, Network Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, National Spanish Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Korlatowicz A, Kolasa M, Pabian P, Solich J, Latocha K, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M, Faron-Górecka A. Altered Intracellular Signaling Associated with Dopamine D2 Receptor in the Prefrontal Cortex in Wistar Kyoto Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065941. [PMID: 36983013 PMCID: PMC10056486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065941] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), compared to Wistar rats, are a well-validated animal model for drug-resistant depression. Thanks to this, they can provide information on the potential mechanisms of treatment-resistant depression. Since deep brain stimulation in the prefrontal cortex has been shown to produce rapid antidepressant effects in WKY rats, we focused our study on the prefrontal cortex. Using quantitative autoradiography, we observed a decrease in the binding of [3H] methylspiperone to the dopamine D2 receptor, specifically in that brain region-but not in the striatum, nor the nucleus accumbens-in WKY rats. Further, we focused our studies on the expression level of several components associated with canonical (G proteins), as well as non-canonical, D2-receptor-associated intracellular pathways (e.g., βarrestin2, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta-Gsk-3β, and β-catenin). As a result, we observed an increase in the expression of mRNA encoding the regulator of G protein signaling 2-RGS2 protein, which is responsible, among other things, for internalizing the D2 dopamine receptor. The increase in RGS2 expression may therefore account for the decreased binding of the radioligand to the D2 receptor. In addition, WKY rats are characterized by the altered signaling of genes associated with the dopamine D2 receptor and the βarrestin2/AKT/Gsk-3β/β-catenin pathway, which may account for certain behavioral traits of this strain and for the treatment-resistant phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Korlatowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kolasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paulina Pabian
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Solich
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Latocha
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Dziedzicka-Wasylewska
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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7
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The transmembrane domains of GPCR dimers as targets for drug development. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103419. [PMID: 36309194 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can form homodimers or heterodimers that modulate specific signal transduction pathways to regulate a wide range of physiological and pathological functions. As such, GPCR dimers are novel drug targets for disorders including depression, hypertension, diabetes, and vascular dementia. The interaction between two receptors in a GPCR dimer involves a conformational change in the transmembrane domain (TMD). It has been demonstrated that the TMD has an important role in GPCR dimer formation and stability in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, increasing evidence shows that the TMD of GPCRs affects the function of dimers. Therefore, the TMD of GPCRs is an emerging target for the development of drugs to treat diseases that involve GPCR dimerization.
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8
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Hervas-Raluy S, Garcia-Aznar JM. Unravelling cell migration: defining movement from the cell surface. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:25-64. [PMID: 35499121 PMCID: PMC9067518 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2055520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is essential for life and development. Unfortunately, cell migration is also linked to several pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Cells' ability to migrate relies on many actors. Cells change their migratory strategy based on their phenotype and the properties of the surrounding microenvironment. Cell migration is, therefore, an extremely complex phenomenon. Researchers have investigated cell motility for more than a century. Recent discoveries have uncovered some of the mysteries associated with the mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as intracellular signaling and cell mechanics. These findings involve different players, including transmembrane receptors, adhesive complexes, cytoskeletal components , the nucleus, and the extracellular matrix. This review aims to give a global overview of our current understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Mezei M, Latif R, Davies TF. Modeling TSH Receptor Dimerization at the Transmembrane Domain. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6759649. [PMID: 36223484 PMCID: PMC9761578 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical studies have established that the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor (TSHR) undergoes posttranslational modifications including dimerization. Following our earlier simulation of a TSHR-transmembrane domain (TMD) monomer (called TSHR-TMD-TRIO) we have now proceeded with a molecular dynamics simulation (MD) of TSHR-TMD dimerization using this improved membrane-embedded model. The starting structure was the TMD protein with all extracellular and intracellular loops and internal waters, which was placed in the relative orientation of the model originally generated with Brownian dynamics. Furthermore, this model was embedded in a DPPC lipid bilayer further solvated with water and added salt. Data from the MD simulation studies showed that the dimeric subunits stayed in the same relative orientation and distance during the 1000 ns of study. Comparison of representative conformations of the individual monomers when dimerized with the conformations from the monomer simulation showed subtle differences as represented by the backbone root mean square deviations. Differences in the conformations of the ligand-binding sites, suggesting variable affinities for these "hot spots," were also revealed by comparing the docking scores of 46 small-molecule ligands that included known TSHR agonists and antagonists as well as their derivatives. These data add further insight into the tendency of the TSHR-TMD to form dimeric and oligomeric structures and show that the differing conformations influence small-molecule binding sites within the TMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaly Mezei
- Correspondence: Mihaly Mezei, PhD, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
- Department of Medicine, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York 10468, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
- Department of Medicine, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York 10468, USA
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10
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Kim H, Baek IY, Seong J. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for GPCR research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1007893. [PMID: 36247000 PMCID: PMC9559200 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1007893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes, thus it is important to understand how GPCRs are activated and function in various cellular contexts. In particular, the activation process of GPCRs is dynamically regulated upon various extracellular stimuli, and emerging evidence suggests the subcellular functions of GPCRs at endosomes and other organelles. Therefore, precise monitoring of the GPCR activation process with high spatiotemporal resolution is required to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of GPCR functions. In this review, we will introduce genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors that can precisely monitor the real-time GPCR activation process in live cells. The process includes the binding of extracellular GPCR ligands, conformational change of GPCR, recruitment of G proteins or β-arrestin, GPCR internalization and trafficking, and the GPCR-related downstream signaling events. We will introduce fluorescent GPCR biosensors based on a variety of strategies such as fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), circular permuted fluorescent protein (cpFP), and nanobody. We will discuss the pros and cons of these GPCR biosensors as well as their applications in GPCR research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Yeop Baek
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihye Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jihye Seong,
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11
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Kowalik A, Majerek M, Mrowiec K, Solich J, Faron-Górecka A, Woźnicka O, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M, Łukasiewicz S. Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 5-HT1A Dimeric Receptor-Binding Monomeric Antibody scFv as a Potential Ligand for Carrying Drugs Targeting Selected Areas of the Brain. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060749. [PMID: 35740874 PMCID: PMC9221303 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy uses multiple ways of ensuring that the drug will be delivered to the desired site. One of these ways is an encapsulation of the drug and functionalization of the surface. Among the many molecules that can perform such a task, the present work focused on the antibodies of single-chain variable fragments (scFvs format). We studied scFv, which specifically recognizes the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor heteromers. The scFvD2–5-HT1A protein was analyzed biochemically and biologically, and the obtained results indicated that the antibody is properly folded and non-toxic and can be described as low-immunogenic. It is not only able to bind to the D2–5-HT1A receptor heteromer, but it also influences the cAMP signaling pathway and—when surfaced on nanogold particles—it can cross the blood–brain barrier in in vitro models. When administered to mice, it decreased locomotor activity, matching the effect induced by clozapine. Thus, we are strongly convinced that scFvD2–5-HT1A, which was a subject of the present investigation, is a promising targeting ligand with the potential for the functionalization of nanocarriers targeting selected areas of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kowalik
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.K.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (M.D.-W.)
| | - Mateusz Majerek
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.K.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (M.D.-W.)
| | - Krzysztof Mrowiec
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.K.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (M.D.-W.)
| | - Joanna Solich
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Science, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (J.S.); (A.F.-G.)
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Science, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (J.S.); (A.F.-G.)
| | - Olga Woźnicka
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Marta Dziedzicka-Wasylewska
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.K.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (M.D.-W.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Science, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (J.S.); (A.F.-G.)
| | - Sylwia Łukasiewicz
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.K.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (M.D.-W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-012-664-6134; Fax: +48-012-664-6902
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Pro-cognitive effect of acute imipramine administration correlates with direct interaction of BDNF with its receptor, Trkβ. Brain Res 2022; 1789:147948. [PMID: 35597327 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Given the important role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated Trkβ signalling in the mechanism of action of antidepressants (ADs), we examined ligand-receptor interactions in the rat cingulate cortex using a proximity ligation assay (PLA) in response to acute and repeated administration of imipramine (IMI), followed by various drug-free periods. Both the acute and chronic administration of IMI increased the BDNF-Trkβ interaction observed 3 h after drug administration. Withdrawal of IMI for 72 h or 7 days did not alter BDNF-Trkβ interaction. A significant reduction in this interaction after chronic IMI administration followed by 21 drug-free days was observed, but it returned to the control value when a new dose of IMI was given after this time. The level of mRNA encoding BDNF or Trkβ did not change in the experimental groups of animals, so one can conclude that alterations in the BDNF-Trkβ interaction depend not on acute vs. repeated treatment with IMI but on the presence of the drug in the body. This effect correlates well with the strong pro-cognitive effect of acute IMI, assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR) test.
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Krieger CC, Boutin A, Neumann S, Gershengorn MC. Proximity ligation assay to study TSH receptor homodimerization and crosstalk with IGF-1 receptors in human thyroid cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:989626. [PMID: 36246873 PMCID: PMC9559199 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.989626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) is a methodology that permits detection of protein-protein closeness, that is, proteins that are within 40 nanometers of each other, in cells or tissues at endogenous protein levels or after exogenous overexpression. It detects the protein(s) with high sensitivity and specificity because it employs a DNA hybridization step followed by DNA amplification. PLA has been used successfully with many types of proteins. In this methods paper, we will describe the workings of PLA and provide examples of its use to study TSH/IGF-1 receptor crosstalk in Graves' orbital fibroblasts (GOFs) and TSH receptor homodimerization in primary cultures of human thyrocytes.
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Gottesman-Katz L, Latorre R, Vanner S, Schmidt BL, Bunnett NW. Targeting G protein-coupled receptors for the treatment of chronic pain in the digestive system. Gut 2021; 70:970-981. [PMID: 33272979 PMCID: PMC9716638 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a hallmark of functional disorders, inflammatory diseases and cancer of the digestive system. The mechanisms that initiate and sustain chronic pain are incompletely understood, and available therapies are inadequate. This review highlights recent advances in the structure and function of pronociceptive and antinociceptive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that provide insights into the mechanisms and treatment of chronic pain. This knowledge, derived from studies of somatic pain, can guide research into visceral pain. Mediators from injured tissues transiently activate GPCRs at the plasma membrane of neurons, leading to sensitisation of ion channels and acute hyperexcitability and nociception. Sustained agonist release evokes GPCR redistribution to endosomes, where persistent signalling regulates activity of channels and genes that control chronic hyperexcitability and nociception. Endosomally targeted GPCR antagonists provide superior pain relief in preclinical models. Biased agonists stabilise GPCR conformations that favour signalling of beneficial actions at the expense of detrimental side effects. Biased agonists of µ-opioid receptors (MOPrs) can provide analgesia without addiction, respiratory depression and constipation. Opioids that preferentially bind to MOPrs in the acidic microenvironment of diseased tissues produce analgesia without side effects. Allosteric modulators of GPCRs fine-tune actions of endogenous ligands, offering the prospect of refined pain control. GPCR dimers might function as distinct therapeutic targets for nociception. The discovery that GPCRs that control itch also mediate irritant sensation in the colon has revealed new targets. A deeper understanding of GPCR structure and function in different microenvironments offers the potential of developing superior treatments for GI pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Gottesman-Katz
- Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, New York, USA,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rocco Latorre
- Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen Vanner
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian L Schmidt
- Bluestone Center, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nigel W Bunnett
- Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Babwah AV. The wonderful and masterful G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR): A focus on signaling mechanisms and the neuroendocrine control of fertility. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110886. [PMID: 32574585 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human GnRH deficiency, both clinically and genetically, is a heterogeneous disorder comprising of congenital GnRH deficiency with anosmia (Kallmann syndrome), or with normal olfaction [normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH)], and adult-onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying GnRH secretion and GnRH signaling continues to increase at a rapid rate and strikingly, the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs) continue to emerge as essential players in these processes. GPCRs were once viewed as binary on-off switches, where in the "on" state they are bound to their Gα protein, but now we understand that view is overly simplistic and does not adequately characterize GPCRs. Instead, GPCRs have emerged as masterful signaling molecules exploiting different physical conformational states of itself to elicit an array of downstream signaling events via their G proteins and the β-arrestins. The "one receptor-multiple signaling conformations" model is likely an evolved strategy that can be used to our advantage as researchers have shown that targeting specific receptor conformations via biased ligands is proving to be a powerful tool in the effective treatment of human diseases. Can biased ligands be used to selectively modulate signaling by GPCR regulators of the neuroendocrine axis in the treatment of IHH? As discussed in this review, the grand possibility exists. However, while we are still very far from developing these treatments, this exciting likelihood can happen through a much greater mechanistic understanding of how GPCRs signal within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy V Babwah
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Human Growth and Reproductive Development, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States; Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
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Abstract
With over 30% of current medications targeting this family of proteins, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain invaluable therapeutic targets. However, due to their unique physicochemical properties, their low abundance, and the lack of highly specific antibodies, GPCRs are still challenging to study in vivo. To overcome these limitations, we combined here transgenic mouse models and proteomic analyses in order to resolve the interactome of the δ-opioid receptor (DOPr) in its native in vivo environment. Given its analgesic properties and milder undesired effects than most clinically prescribed opioids, DOPr is a promising alternative therapeutic target for chronic pain management. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating its signaling and trafficking remain poorly characterized. We thus performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses on brain homogenates of our newly generated knockin mouse expressing a FLAG-tagged version of DOPr and revealed several endogenous DOPr interactors involved in protein folding, trafficking, and signal transduction. The interactions with a few identified partners such as VPS41, ARF6, Rabaptin-5, and Rab10 were validated. We report an approach to characterize in vivo interacting proteins of GPCRs, the largest family of membrane receptors with crucial implications in virtually all physiological systems.
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Luminescence- and Fluorescence-Based Complementation Assays to Screen for GPCR Oligomerization: Current State of the Art. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122958. [PMID: 31213021 PMCID: PMC6627893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have the propensity to form homo- and heterodimers. Dysfunction of these dimers has been associated with multiple diseases, e.g., pre-eclampsia, schizophrenia, and depression, among others. Over the past two decades, considerable efforts have been made towards the development of screening assays for studying these GPCR dimer complexes in living cells. As a first step, a robust in vitro assay in an overexpression system is essential to identify and characterize specific GPCR–GPCR interactions, followed by methodologies to demonstrate association at endogenous levels and eventually in vivo. This review focuses on protein complementation assays (PCAs) which have been utilized to study GPCR oligomerization. These approaches are typically fluorescence- and luminescence-based, making identification and localization of protein–protein interactions feasible. The GPCRs of interest are fused to complementary fluorescent or luminescent fragments that, upon GPCR di- or oligomerization, may reconstitute to a functional reporter, of which the activity can be measured. Various protein complementation assays have the disadvantage that the interaction between the reconstituted split fragments is irreversible, which can lead to false positive read-outs. Reversible systems offer several advantages, as they do not only allow to follow the kinetics of GPCR–GPCR interactions, but also allow evaluation of receptor complex modulation by ligands (either agonists or antagonists). Protein complementation assays may be used for high throughput screenings as well, which is highly relevant given the growing interest and effort to identify small molecule drugs that could potentially target disease-relevant dimers. In addition to providing an overview on how PCAs have allowed to gain better insights into GPCR–GPCR interactions, this review also aims at providing practical guidance on how to perform PCA-based assays.
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