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Buigues P, Gehrke S, Badaoui M, Dudas B, Mandana G, Qi T, Bottegoni G, Rosta E. Investigating the Unbinding of Muscarinic Antagonists from the Muscarinic 3 Receptor. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:5260-5272. [PMID: 37458730 PMCID: PMC10413856 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00023] [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] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Patient symptom relief is often heavily influenced by the residence time of the inhibitor-target complex. For the human muscarinic receptor 3 (hMR3), tiotropium is a long-acting bronchodilator used in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mechanistic insights into this inhibitor remain unclear; specifically, the elucidation of the main factors determining the unbinding rates could help develop the next generation of antimuscarinic agents. Using our novel unbinding algorithm, we were able to investigate ligand dissociation from hMR3. The unbinding paths of tiotropium and two of its analogues, N-methylscopolamin and homatropine methylbromide, show a consistent qualitative mechanism and allow us to identify the structural bottleneck of the process. Furthermore, our machine learning-based analysis identified key roles of the ECL2/TM5 junction involved in the transition state. Additionally, our results point to relevant changes at the intracellular end of the TM6 helix leading to the ICL3 kinase domain, highlighting the closest residue L482. This residue is located right between two main protein binding sites involved in signal transduction for hMR3's activation and regulation. We also highlight key pharmacophores of tiotropium that play determining roles in the unbinding kinetics and could aid toward drug design and lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro
J. Buigues
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Sascha Gehrke
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Magd Badaoui
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Balint Dudas
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Mandana
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Tianyun Qi
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Bottegoni
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Biomolecolari (DISB), University
of Urbino, Urbino Piazza Rinascimento, 6, Urbino 61029, Italy
- Institute
of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Edina Rosta
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University College
London, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
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2
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Zou R, Wang X, Li S, Chan HCS, Vogel H, Yuan S. The role of metal ions in G protein‐coupled receptor signalling and drug discovery. WIRES COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Zou
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- AlphaMol Science Ltd Shenzhen China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
| | - Shu Li
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
| | - H. C. Stephen Chan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
| | - Horst Vogel
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- AlphaMol Science Ltd Shenzhen China
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- AlphaMol Science Ltd Shenzhen China
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3
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Bharadwaj VN, Porreca F, Cowan RP, Kori S, Silberstein SD, Yeomans DC. A new hypothesis linking oxytocin to menstrual migraine. Headache 2021; 61:1051-1059. [PMID: 34125955 DOI: 10.1111/head.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To highlight the emerging understanding of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in modulating menstrual-related migraine (MRM). BACKGROUND MRM is highly debilitating and less responsive to therapy, and attacks are of longer duration than nonmenstrually related migraine. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying MRM is lacking. METHODS We present a narrative literature review on the developing understanding of the role of OT and the OTR in MRM. Literature on MRM on PubMed/MEDLINE database including clinical trials and basic science publications was reviewed using specific keywords. RESULTS OT is a cyclically released hypothalamic hormone/neurotransmitter that binds to the OTR resulting in inhibition of trigeminal neuronal excitability that can promote migraine pain including that of MRM. Estrogen regulates OT release as well as expression of the OTR. Coincident with menstruation, levels of both estrogen and OT decrease. Additionally, other serum biochemical factors, including magnesium and cholesterol, which positively modulate the affinity of OT for OTRs, both decrease during menstruation. Thus, during menstruation, multiple menstrually associated factors may lead to decreased circulating OT levels, decreased OT affinity for OTR, and decreased expression of the trigeminal OTR. Consistent with the view of migraine as a threshold disorder, these events may collectively result in decreased inhibition promoting lower thresholds for activation of meningeal trigeminal nociceptors and increasing the likelihood of an MRM attack. CONCLUSION Trigeminal OTR may thus be a novel target for the development of MRM therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimala N Bharadwaj
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert P Cowan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David C Yeomans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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4
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Rae M, Lemos Duarte M, Gomes I, Camarini R, Devi LA. Oxytocin and vasopressin: Signalling, behavioural modulation and potential therapeutic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1544-1564. [PMID: 33817785 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are endogenous ligands for OT and AVP receptors in the brain and in the peripheral system. Several studies demonstrate that OT and AVP have opposite roles in modulating stress, anxiety and social behaviours. Interestingly, both peptides and their receptors exhibit high sequence homology which could account for the biased signalling interaction of the peptides with OT and AVP receptors. However, how and under which conditions this crosstalk occurs in vivo remains unclear. In this review we shed light on the complexity of the roles of OT and AVP, by focusing on their signalling and behavioural differences and exploring the crosstalk between the receptor systems. Moreover, we discuss the potential of OT and AVP receptors as therapeutic targets to treat human disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rae
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mariana Lemos Duarte
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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5
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McKay EC, Counts SE. Oxytocin Receptor Signaling in Vascular Function and Stroke. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:574499. [PMID: 33071746 PMCID: PMC7544744 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.574499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is a G protein-coupled receptor with a diverse repertoire of intracellular signaling pathways, which are activated in response to binding oxytocin (OXT) and a similar nonapeptide, vasopressin. This review summarizes the cell and molecular biology of the OXTR and its downstream signaling cascades, particularly focusing on the vasoactive functions of OXTR signaling in humans and animal models, as well as the clinical applications of OXTR targeting cerebrovascular accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C McKay
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Scott E Counts
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Hauenstein Neurosciences Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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6
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Structural Complexity and Plasticity of Signaling Regulation at the Melanocortin-4 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165728. [PMID: 32785054 PMCID: PMC7460885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), essential for regulation of appetite and metabolism. Pathogenic inactivating MC4R mutations are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity, a growing medical and socioeconomic problem worldwide. The MC4R mediates either ligand-independent or ligand-dependent signaling. Agonists such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) induce anorexigenic effects, in contrast to the endogenous inverse agonist agouti-related peptide (AgRP), which causes orexigenic effects by suppressing high basal signaling activity. Agonist action triggers the binding of different subtypes of G proteins and arrestins, leading to concomitant induction of diverse intracellular signaling cascades. An increasing number of experimental studies have unraveled molecular properties and mechanisms of MC4R signal transduction related to physiological and pathophysiological aspects. In addition, the MC4R crystal structure was recently determined at 2.75 Å resolution in an inactive state bound with a peptide antagonist. Underpinned by structural homology models of MC4R complexes simulating a presumably active-state conformation compared to the structure of the inactive state, we here briefly summarize the current understanding and key players involved in the MC4R switching process between different activity states. Finally, these perspectives highlight the complexity and plasticity in MC4R signaling regulation and identify gaps in our current knowledge.
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7
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Waltenspühl Y, Schöppe J, Ehrenmann J, Kummer L, Plückthun A. Crystal structure of the human oxytocin receptor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb5419. [PMID: 32832646 PMCID: PMC7439316 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb5419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone oxytocin modulates socioemotional behavior and sexual reproduction via the centrally expressed oxytocin receptor (OTR) across several species. Here, we report the crystal structure of human OTR in complex with retosiban, a nonpeptidic antagonist developed as an oral drug for the prevention of preterm labor. Our structure reveals insights into the detailed interactions between the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and an OTR-selective antagonist. The observation of an extrahelical cholesterol molecule, binding in an unexpected location between helices IV and V, provides a structural rationale for its allosteric effect and critical influence on OTR function. Furthermore, our structure in combination with experimental data allows the identification of a conserved neurohypophyseal receptor-specific coordination site for Mg2+ that acts as potent, positive allosteric modulator for agonist binding. Together, these results further our molecular understanding of the oxytocin/vasopressin receptor family and will facilitate structure-guided development of new therapeutics.
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8
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Zarzycka B, Zaidi SA, Roth BL, Katritch V. Harnessing Ion-Binding Sites for GPCR Pharmacology. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:571-595. [PMID: 31551350 PMCID: PMC6782022 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous ions play important roles in the function and pharmacology of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Historically the evidence for ionic modulation of GPCR function dates to 1973 with studies of opioid receptors, where it was demonstrated that physiologic concentrations of sodium allosterically attenuated agonist binding. This Na+-selective effect was distinct from effects of other monovalent and divalent cations, with the latter usually counteracting sodium's negative allosteric modulation of binding. Since then, numerous studies documenting the effects of mono- and divalent ions on GPCR function have been published. While ions can act selectively and nonselectively at many sites in different receptors, the discovery of the conserved sodium ion site in class A GPCR structures in 2012 revealed the unique nature of Na+ site, which has emerged as a near-universal site for allosteric modulation of class A GPCR structure and function. In this review, we synthesize and highlight recent advances in the functional, biophysical, and structural characterization of ions bound to GPCRs. Taken together, these findings provide a molecular understanding of the unique roles of Na+ and other ions as GPCR allosteric modulators. We will also discuss how this knowledge can be applied to the redesign of receptors and ligand probes for desired functional and pharmacological profiles. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The function and pharmacology of GPCRs strongly depend on the presence of mono and divalent ions in experimental assays and in living organisms. Recent insights into the molecular mechanism of this ion-dependent allosterism from structural, biophysical, biochemical, and computational studies provide quantitative understandings of the pharmacological effects of drugs in vitro and in vivo and open new avenues for the rational design of chemical probes and drug candidates with improved properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zarzycka
- Departments of Biological Sciences (B.Z., S.A.Z., V.K.) and Chemistry (V.K.), Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and Department of Pharmacology (B.L.R.) and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy (B.L.R.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Saheem A Zaidi
- Departments of Biological Sciences (B.Z., S.A.Z., V.K.) and Chemistry (V.K.), Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and Department of Pharmacology (B.L.R.) and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy (B.L.R.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Departments of Biological Sciences (B.Z., S.A.Z., V.K.) and Chemistry (V.K.), Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and Department of Pharmacology (B.L.R.) and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy (B.L.R.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Departments of Biological Sciences (B.Z., S.A.Z., V.K.) and Chemistry (V.K.), Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and Department of Pharmacology (B.L.R.) and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy (B.L.R.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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9
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He X, Ni D, Lu S, Zhang J. Characteristics of Allosteric Proteins, Sites, and Modulators. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1163:107-139. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8719-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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Cong X, Golebiowski J. Allosteric Na +-binding site modulates CXCR4 activation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:24915-24920. [PMID: 30238101 DOI: 10.1039/c8cp04134b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control most cellular communications with the environment and are the largest protein family of drug targets. As strictly regulated molecular machines, profound comprehension of their activation mechanism is expected to significantly facilitate structure-based drug design. This study provides atomistic-level description of the activation dynamics of the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), a class A GPCR and important drug target. Using molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling, we demonstrate how mutations and protonation of conserved residues trigger activation through microswitches at the receptor core, while sodium ion - a known allosteric modulator - inhibits it. The findings point to a conserved mechanism of activation and the allosteric modulation by sodium in the chemokine receptor family. From the technical aspect, the enhanced sampling protocol effectively samples receptor conformational changes toward activation, and differentiates three variants of the receptor by their basal activity. This work provides structural basis and a powerful in silico tool for CXCR4 agonist design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Cong
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR7272, 06108 Nice, France.
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11
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Mocking TAM, Verweij EWE, Vischer HF, Leurs R. Homogeneous, Real-Time NanoBRET Binding Assays for the Histamine H 3 and H 4 Receptors on Living Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 94:1371-1381. [PMID: 30249614 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor-binding affinity and ligand-receptor residence time are key parameters for the selection of drug candidates and are routinely determined using radioligand competition-binding assays. Recently, a novel bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) method utilizing a NanoLuc-fused receptor was introduced to detect fluorescent ligand binding. Moreover, this NanoBRET method gives the opportunity to follow fluorescent ligand binding on intact cells in real time, and therefore, results might better reflect in vivo conditions as compared with the routinely used cell homogenates or purified membrane fractions. In this study, a real-time NanoBRET-based binding assay was established and validated to detect binding of unlabeled ligands to the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) and histamine H4 receptor on intact cells. Obtained residence times of clinically tested H3R antagonists were reflected by their duration of H3R antagonism in a functional receptor recovery assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara A M Mocking
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eléonore W E Verweij
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry F Vischer
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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