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Abstract
Understanding the molecular biology of opioid analgesia is essential for its proper implementation and mechanistic approach to its modulation in order to maximize analgesia and minimize undesired effects. By appreciating the molecular mechanisms intrinsic to opioid analgesia, one can manipulate a molecular target to augment or diminish a specific effect using adjuvant drugs, select an appropriate opioid for opioid rotation or define a molecular target for new opioid drug development. In this review, we present the cellular and molecular mechanisms of opioid analgesia and that of the associated phenomena of tolerance, dependence, and hyperalgesia. The specific mechanisms highlighted are those that presently can be clinically addressed.
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Dong S, Liu J, Li L, Wang H, Ma H, Zhao Y, Zhao J. The HECT ubiquitin E3 ligase Smurf2 degrades μ-opioid receptor 1 in the ubiquitin-proteasome system in lung epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 316:C632-C640. [PMID: 30758996 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00443.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are widely used for relieving clinical acute or chronic pain. The biological effects of opioids are through activating μ-opioid receptor 1 (MOR1). Most studies have focused on the consequences of agonist-induced MOR1 phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and internalization. Agonist-mediated MOR1 degradation, which is crucial for receptor stability and responsiveness, has not been well studied. E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase SMURF2 (Smurf2), a homolog to E6AP carboxy terminus (HECT) ubiquitin E3 ligase, has been shown to regulate MOR1 ubiquitination and internalization; however, its role in MOR1 degradation has not been studied. Here, we demonstrate that Smurf2 mediates [d-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO, an agonist of MOR1)-induced MOR1 ubiquitination and degradation. DAMGO decreased MOR1 levels in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. MOR1 was modified by a Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chain. Overexpression of Smurf2 induced MOR1 ubiquitination and accelerated DAMGO-induced MOR1 degradation, whereas downregulation of Smurf2 attenuated MOR1 degradation. Furthermore, DAMGO increased lung epithelial cell migration and proliferation, and the effect was attenuated by overexpressing Smurf2. Collectively, these data unveil that Smurf2 negatively regulates MOR1 activity by reducing its stability. We also demonstrate an unrevealed biological function of MOR1 in lung epithelial cells. DAMGO-MOR1 promote cell migration and proliferation in lung epithelial cells, suggesting a potential effect of DAMGO in lung repair and remodeling after lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Dong
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Heather Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Haichun Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
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Gendron L, Cahill CM, von Zastrow M, Schiller PW, Pineyro G. Molecular Pharmacology of δ-Opioid Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 68:631-700. [PMID: 27343248 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.008979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are among the most effective analgesics available and are the first choice in the treatment of acute severe pain. However, partial efficacy, a tendency to produce tolerance, and a host of ill-tolerated side effects make clinically available opioids less effective in the management of chronic pain syndromes. Given that most therapeutic opioids produce their actions via µ-opioid receptors (MOPrs), other targets are constantly being explored, among which δ-opioid receptors (DOPrs) are being increasingly considered as promising alternatives. This review addresses DOPrs from the perspective of cellular and molecular determinants of their pharmacological diversity. Thus, DOPr ligands are examined in terms of structural and functional variety, DOPrs' capacity to engage a multiplicity of canonical and noncanonical G protein-dependent responses is surveyed, and evidence supporting ligand-specific signaling and regulation is analyzed. Pharmacological DOPr subtypes are examined in light of the ability of DOPr to organize into multimeric arrays and to adopt multiple active conformations as well as differences in ligand kinetics. Current knowledge on DOPr targeting to the membrane is examined as a means of understanding how these receptors are especially active in chronic pain management. Insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms of pharmacological diversity should guide the rational design of more effective, longer-lasting, and better-tolerated opioid analgesics for chronic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Gendron
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Centre d'excellence en neurosciences de l'Univeristé de Sherbrooke, and Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Québec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care and Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, California (C.M.C.); Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (C.M.C.); Departments of Psychiatry and Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California (M.v.Z.); Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (P.W.S.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (G.P.)
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Centre d'excellence en neurosciences de l'Univeristé de Sherbrooke, and Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Québec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care and Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, California (C.M.C.); Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (C.M.C.); Departments of Psychiatry and Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California (M.v.Z.); Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (P.W.S.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (G.P.)
| | - Mark von Zastrow
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Centre d'excellence en neurosciences de l'Univeristé de Sherbrooke, and Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Québec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care and Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, California (C.M.C.); Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (C.M.C.); Departments of Psychiatry and Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California (M.v.Z.); Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (P.W.S.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (G.P.)
| | - Peter W Schiller
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Centre d'excellence en neurosciences de l'Univeristé de Sherbrooke, and Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Québec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care and Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, California (C.M.C.); Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (C.M.C.); Departments of Psychiatry and Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California (M.v.Z.); Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (P.W.S.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (G.P.)
| | - Graciela Pineyro
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Centre d'excellence en neurosciences de l'Univeristé de Sherbrooke, and Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Québec Pain Research Network, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (L.G.); Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care and Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, California (C.M.C.); Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (C.M.C.); Departments of Psychiatry and Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California (M.v.Z.); Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Peptide Research, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (P.W.S.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (G.P.)
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4
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Abstract
Opioids are the gold-standard treatment for severe pain. However, potentially life-threatening side effects decrease the safety and effectiveness of these compounds. The addiction liability of these drugs has led to the current epidemic of opioid abuse in the US. Extensive research efforts have focused on trying to dissociate the analgesic properties of opioids from their undesirable side effects. Splice variants of the mu opioid receptor (MOR), which mediates opioid actions, have unique pharmacological properties and anatomic distributions that make them attractive candidates for therapeutic pain relief. In this issue of the JCI, Xu et al. show that specific C-terminal regions of the MOR can modulate side effects without altering analgesia. This discovery greatly improves our understanding of opioid side effects and suggests intriguing therapeutic approaches that could improve both the safety and long-term effectiveness of opioids.
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Systematic analysis of factors influencing observations of biased agonism at the mu-opioid receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 113:70-87. [PMID: 27286929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Biased agonism describes the ability of distinct G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands to stabilise distinct receptor conformations leading to the activation of different cell signalling pathways that can deliver different physiologic outcomes. This phenomenon is having a major impact on modern drug discovery as it offers the potential to design ligands that selectively activate or inhibit the signalling pathways linked to therapeutic effects with minimal activation or blockade of signalling pathways that are linked to the development of adverse on-target effects. However, the explosion in studies of biased agonism at multiple GPCR families in recombinant cell lines has revealed a high degree of variability on descriptions of biased ligands at the same GPCR and raised the question of whether biased agonism is a fixed attribute of a ligand in all cell types. The current study addresses this question at the mu-opioid receptor (MOP). Here, we have systematically assessed the impact of differential cellular protein complement (and cellular background), signalling kinetics and receptor species on our previous descriptions of biased agonism at MOP by several opioid peptides and synthetic opioids. Our results show that all these factors need to be carefully determined and reported when considering biased agonism. Nevertheless, our studies also show that, despite changes in overall signalling profiles, ligands that previously showed distinct bias profiles at MOP retained their uniqueness across different cell backgrounds.
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6
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Corli O, Floriani I, Roberto A, Montanari M, Galli F, Greco MT, Caraceni A, Kaasa S, Dragani TA, Azzarello G, Luzzani M, Cavanna L, Bandieri E, Gamucci T, Lipari G, Di Gregorio R, Valenti D, Reale C, Pavesi L, Iorno V, Crispino C, Pacchioni M, Apolone G. Are strong opioids equally effective and safe in the treatment of chronic cancer pain? A multicenter randomized phase IV 'real life' trial on the variability of response to opioids. Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1107-1115. [PMID: 26940689 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines tend to consider morphine and morphine-like opioids comparable and interchangeable in the treatment of chronic cancer pain, but individual responses can vary. This study compared the analgesic efficacy, changes of therapy and safety profile over time of four strong opioids given for cancer pain. PATIENT AND METHODS In this four-arm multicenter, randomized, comparative, of superiority, phase IV trial, oncological patients with moderate to severe pain requiring WHO step III opioids were randomly assigned to receive oral morphine or oxycodone or transdermal fentanyl or buprenorphine for 28 days. At each visit, pain intensity, modifications of therapy and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of nonresponders, meaning patients with worse or unchanged average pain intensity (API) between the first and last visit, measured on a 0-10 numerical rating scale. (NCT01809106). RESULTS Forty-four centers participated in the trial and recruited 520 patients. Worst pain intensity and API decreased over 4 weeks with no significant differences between drugs. Nonresponders ranged from 11.5% (morphine) to 14.4% (buprenorphine). Appreciable changes were made in the treatment schedules over time. Each group required increases in the daily dose, from 32.7% (morphine) to 121.2% (transdermal fentanyl). Patients requiring adjuvant analgesics ranged from 68.9% (morphine) to 81.6% (oxycodone), switches varied from 22.1% (morphine) to 12% (oxycodone), discontinuation of treatment from 27% ( morphine) to 14.5% (fentanyl). ADRs were similar except for effects on the nervous system, which significantly prevailed with morphine. CONCLUSION The main findings were the similarity in pain control, response rates and main adverse reactions among opioids. Changes in therapy schedules were notable over time. A considerable proportion of patients were nonresponders or poor responders. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01809106 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01809106?term=cerp&rank=2).
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Affiliation(s)
- O Corli
- Department of Oncology, Unità di Ricerca nel Dolore e Cure Palliative.
| | - I Floriani
- Department of Oncology, Laboratorio di Ricerca Clinica, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan
| | - A Roberto
- Department of Oncology, Unità di Ricerca nel Dolore e Cure Palliative
| | - M Montanari
- Department of Oncology, Unità di Ricerca nel Dolore e Cure Palliative
| | - F Galli
- Department of Oncology, Laboratorio di Ricerca Clinica, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan
| | - M T Greco
- Department of Oncology, Unità di Ricerca nel Dolore e Cure Palliative; Department of Statistics, Università di Milano, Milan
| | - A Caraceni
- Palliative Care Complex Structure, Terapia del dolore e Riabilitazione, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - S Kaasa
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - T A Dragani
- S.S.D. Epidemiology, Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan
| | - G Azzarello
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ospedale di U.O.C. di Oncologia Mirano-ASL 13 Regione Veneto, Mirano
| | - M Luzzani
- Department of Orthogeriatrics, S.S.D. Cure Palliative, riabilitazione e stabilizzazione E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova
| | - L Cavanna
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale di Piacenza, Piacenza
| | - E Bandieri
- Unit of Supportive and Simultaneous Care, Medical Oncology Division USL, Modena
| | - T Gamucci
- UOC Medical Oncology, Ospedale SS Trinità, Sora
| | - G Lipari
- Palliative Care, P.O. di Salemi-ASP 9, Trapani
| | - R Di Gregorio
- U.O.S Obstetric Anasthesia and Pain Therapy, Opedale Sacro Cuore di Gesù - Fatebenefratelli, Benevento
| | - D Valenti
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Valtellina e Valchiavenna, Morbegno
| | - C Reale
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anaesthetics and Geriatrics, Policlinico Universitario Umberto I, Rome
| | - L Pavesi
- Unit of Oncology, RCCS-Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, Pavia
| | - V Iorno
- Centre for Pain Medicine M. TIENGO, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan
| | - C Crispino
- UOSD Treatment of Lung Cancer Complications, AO Dei Colli Monaldi Cotugno CTO Ospedale Monaldi, Napoli
| | - M Pacchioni
- Department of Oncology, Ospedale San Raffaele IRCCS, Milan
| | - G Apolone
- Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Genetic and Non-genetic Factors Associated With Constipation in Cancer Patients Receiving Opioids. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2015; 6:e90. [PMID: 26087058 PMCID: PMC4816247 DOI: 10.1038/ctg.2015.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To examine whether the inter-individual variation in constipation among patients receiving opioids for cancer pain is associated with genetic or non-genetic factors. Methods: Cancer patients receiving opioids were included from 17 centers in 11 European countries. Intensity of constipation was reported by 1,568 patients on a four-point categorical scale. Non-genetic factors were included as covariates in stratified regression analyses on the association between constipation and 75 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 15 candidate genes related to opioid- or constipation-signaling pathways (HTR3E, HTR4, HTR2A, TPH1, ADRA2A, CHRM3, TACR1, CCKAR, KIT, ARRB2, GHRL, ABCB1, COMT, OPRM1, and OPRD1). Results: The non-genetic factors significantly associated with constipation were type of laxative, mobility and place of care among patients receiving laxatives (N=806), in addition to Karnofsky performance status and presence of metastases among patients not receiving laxatives (N=762) (P<0.01). Age, gender, body mass index, cancer diagnosis, time on opioids, opioid dose, and type of opioid did not contribute to the inter-individual differences in constipation. Five SNPs, rs1800532 in TPH1, rs1799971 in OPRM1, rs4437575 in ABCB1, rs10802789 in CHRM3, and rs2020917 in COMT were associated with constipation (P<0.01). Only rs2020917 in COMT passed the Benjamini–Hochberg criterion for a 10% false discovery rate. Conclusions: Type of laxative, mobility, hospitalization, Karnofsky performance status, presence of metastases, and five SNPs within TPH1, OPRM1, ABCB1, CHRM3, and COMT may contribute to the variability in constipation among cancer patients treated with opioids. Knowledge of these factors may help to develop new therapies and to identify patients needing a more individualized approach to treatment.
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Fluorescence-based, high-throughput assays for μ-opioid receptor activation using a membrane potential-sensitive dye. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1230:177-85. [PMID: 25293325 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1708-2_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The development of new and improved opioid analgesics requires high-throughput screening (HTS) methods to identify potential therapeutics from large libraries of lead compounds. Here we describe two simple, real-time fluorescence-based assays of μ-opioid receptor activation that may be scaled up for HTS. In AtT-20 cells expressing the μ-opioid receptor (MOPr), opioids activate endogenous G protein gated inwardly rectifying K channels (GIRK channels), leading to membrane hyperpolarization. In Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing MOPr, adenylyl cyclase activation via forskolin results in membrane hyperpolarization, which is inhibited by opioids. Changes in membrane potential can be measured using a proprietary membrane potential-sensitive dye. In contrast to many HTS methods currently available, these assays reflect naturalistic coupling of the receptor to effector molecules.
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9
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Knapman A, Santiago M, Connor M. Buprenorphine signalling is compromised at the N40D polymorphism of the human μ opioid receptor in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:4273-88. [PMID: 24846673 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is significant variation in individual response to opioid drugs, which may result in inappropriate opioid therapy. Polymorphisms of the μ opioid receptor (MOP receptor) may contribute to individual variation in opioid response by affecting receptor function, and the effect may be ligand-specific. We sought to determine functional differences in MOP receptor signalling at several signalling pathways using a range of structurally distinct opioid ligands in cells expressing wild-type MOP receptors (MOPr-WT) and the commonly occurring MOP receptor variant, N40D. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH MOPr-WT and MOPr-N40D were stably expressed in CHO cells and in AtT-20 cells. Assays of AC inhibition and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were performed on CHO cells, and assays of K activation were performed on AtT-20 cells. Signalling profiles for each ligand were compared between variants. KEY RESULTS Buprenorphine efficacy was reduced by over 50% at MOPr-N40D for AC inhibition and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Buprenorphine potency was reduced threefold at MOPr-N40D for K channel activation. Pentazocine efficacy was reduced by 50% for G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K channel activation at MOPr-N40D. No other differences were observed for any other ligands tested. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The N40D variant is present in 10-50% of the population. Buprenorphine is a commonly prescribed opioid analgesic, and many individuals do not respond to buprenorphine therapy. This study demonstrates that buprenorphine signalling to several effectors via the N40D variant of MOP receptors is impaired, and this may have important consequences in a clinical setting for individuals carrying the N40D allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Knapman
- Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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10
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Knapman A, Santiago M, Connor M. A6V polymorphism of the human μ-opioid receptor decreases signalling of morphine and endogenous opioids in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2258-72. [PMID: 25521224 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Polymorphisms of the μ opioid receptor (MOPr) may contribute to the variation in responses to opioid drugs in clinical and unregulated situations. The A6V variant of MOPr (MOPr-A6V) is present in up to 20% of individuals in some populations, and may be associated with heightened susceptibility to drug abuse. There are no functional studies examining the acute signalling of MOPr-A6V in vitro, so we investigated potential functional differences between MOPr and MOPr-A6V at several signalling pathways using structurally distinct opioid ligands. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH CHO and AtT-20 cells stably expressing MOPr and MOPr-A6V were used. AC inhibition and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were assayed in CHO cells; K channel activation was assayed in AtT-20 cells. KEY RESULTS Buprenorphine did not inhibit AC or stimulate ERK1/2 phosphorylation in CHO cells expressing MOPr-A6V, but buprenorphine activation of K channels in AtT-20 cells was preserved. [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin, morphine and β-endorphin inhibition of AC was significantly reduced via MOPr-A6V, as was signalling of all opioids to ERK1/2. However, there was little effect of the A6V variant on K channel activation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Signalling to AC and ERK via the mutant MOPr-A6V was decreased for many opioids, including the clinically significant drugs morphine, buprenorphine and fentanyl, as well endogenous opioids. The MOPr-A6V variant is common and this compromised signalling may affect individual responses to opioid therapy, while the possible disruption of the endogenous opioid system may contribute to susceptibility to substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Knapman
- Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Knapman A, Connor M. Cellular signalling of non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the human μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1). Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:349-63. [PMID: 24527749 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED There is significant variability in individual responses to opioid drugs, which is likely to have a significant genetic component. A number of non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding regions of the μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) have been postulated to contribute to this variability. Although many studies have investigated the clinical influences of these μ-opioid receptor variants, the outcomes are reported in the context of thousands of other genes and environmental factors, and we are no closer to being able to predict individual response to opioids based on genotype. Investigation of how μ-opioid receptor SNPs affect their expression, coupling to second messengers, desensitization and regulation is necessary to understand how subtle changes in receptor structure can impact individual responses to opioids. To date, the few functional studies that have investigated the consequences of SNPs on the signalling profile of the μ-opioid receptor in vitro have shown that the common N40D variant has altered functional responses to some opioids, while other, rarer, variants display altered signalling or agonist-dependent regulation. Here, we review the data available on the effects of μ-opioid receptor polymorphisms on receptor function, expression and regulation in vitro, and discuss the limitations of the studies to date. Whether or not μ-opioid receptor SNPs contribute to individual variability in opioid responses remains an open question, in large part because we have relatively little good data about how the amino acid changes affect μ-opioid receptor function. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Knapman
- Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Charfi I, Audet N, Bagheri Tudashki H, Pineyro G. Identifying ligand-specific signalling within biased responses: focus on δ opioid receptor ligands. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:435-48. [PMID: 24665881 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Opioids activate GPCRs to produce powerful analgesic actions but at the same time induce side effects and generate tolerance, which restrict their clinical use. Reducing this undesired response profile has remained a major goal of opioid research and the notion of 'biased agonism' is raising increasing interest as a means of separating therapeutic responses from unwanted side effects. However, to fully exploit this opportunity, it is necessary to confidently identify biased signals and evaluate which type of bias may support analgesia and which may lead to undesired effects. The development of new computational tools has made it possible to quantify ligand-dependent signalling and discriminate this component from confounders that may also yield biased responses. Here, we analyse different approaches to identify and quantify ligand-dependent bias and review different types of confounders. Focus is on δ opioid receptor ligands, which are currently viewed as promising agents for chronic pain management. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Charfi
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ong EW, Xue L, Olmstead MC, Cahill CM. Prolonged morphine treatment alters δ opioid receptor post-internalization trafficking. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:615-29. [PMID: 24819092 PMCID: PMC4292973 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The δ opioid receptor (DOP receptor) undergoes internalization both constitutively and in response to agonists. Previous work has shown that DOP receptors traffic from intracellular compartments to neuronal cell membranes following prolonged morphine treatment. Here, we examined the effects of prolonged morphine treatment on the post-internalization trafficking of DOP receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using primary cultures of dorsal root ganglia neurons, we measured the co-localization of endogenous DOP receptors with post-endocytic compartments following both prolonged and acute agonist treatments. KEY RESULTS A departure from the constitutive trafficking pathway was observed following acute DOP receptor agonist-induced internalization by deltorphin II. That is, the DOP receptor underwent distinct agonist-induced post-endocytic sorting. Following prolonged morphine treatment, constitutive DOP receptor trafficking was augmented. SNC80 following prolonged morphine treatment also caused non-constitutive DOP receptor agonist-induced post-endocytic sorting. The μ opioid receptor (MOP receptor) agonist DAMGO induced DOP receptor internalization and trafficking following prolonged morphine treatment. Finally, all of the alterations to DOP receptor trafficking induced by both DOP and MOP receptor agonists were inhibited or absent when those agonists were co-administered with a DOP receptor antagonist, SDM-25N. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results support the hypothesis that prolonged morphine treatment induces the formation of MOP–DOP receptor interactions and subsequent augmentation of the available cell surface DOP receptors, at least some of which are in the form of a MOP/DOP receptor species. The pharmacology and trafficking of this species appear to be unique compared to those of its individual constituents. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
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Affiliation(s)
- E W Ong
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Ligand- and cell-dependent determinants of internalization and cAMP modulation by delta opioid receptor (DOR) agonists. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:1529-46. [PMID: 24022593 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1461-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Signaling bias refers to G protein-coupled receptor ligand ability to preferentially activate one type of signal over another. Bias to evoke signaling as opposed to sequestration has been proposed as a predictor of opioid ligand potential for generating tolerance. Here we measured whether delta opioid receptor agonists preferentially inhibited cyclase activity over internalization in HEK cells. Efficacy (τ) and affinity (KA) values were estimated from functional data and bias was calculated from efficiency coefficients (log τ/KA). This approach better represented the data as compared to alternative methods that estimate bias exclusively from τ values. Log (τ/KA) coefficients indicated that SNC-80 and UFP-512 promoted cyclase inhibition more efficiently than DOR internalization as compared to DPDPE (bias factor for SNC-80: 50 and for UFP-512: 132). Molecular determinants of internalization were different in HEK293 cells and neurons with βarrs contributing to internalization in both cell types, while PKC and GRK2 activities were only involved in neurons. Rank orders of ligand ability to engage different internalization mechanisms in neurons were compared to rank order of E max values for cyclase assays in HEK cells. Comparison revealed a significant reversal in rank order for cyclase E max values and βarr-dependent internalization in neurons, indicating that these responses were ligand-specific. Despite this evidence, and because kinases involved in internalization were not the same across cellular backgrounds, it is not possible to assert if the magnitude and nature of bias revealed by rank orders of maximal responses is the same as the one measured in HEK cells.
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Kupchik YM, Scofield MD, Rice KC, Cheng K, Roques BP, Kalivas PW. Cocaine dysregulates opioid gating of GABA neurotransmission in the ventral pallidum. J Neurosci 2014; 34:1057-66. [PMID: 24431463 PMCID: PMC3891949 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4336-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) is a target of dense nucleus accumbens projections. Many of these projections coexpress GABA and the neuropeptide enkephalin, a δ and μ opioid receptor (MOR) ligand. Of these two, the MOR in the VP is known to be involved in reward-related behaviors, such as hedonic responses to palatable food, alcohol intake, and reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Stimulating MORs in the VP decreases extracellular GABA, indicating that the effects of MORs in the VP on cocaine seeking are via modulating GABA neurotransmission. Here, we use whole-cell patch-clamp on a rat model of withdrawal from cocaine self-administration to test the hypothesis that MORs presynaptically regulate GABA transmission in the VP and that cocaine withdrawal changes the interaction between MORs and GABA. We found that in cocaine-extinguished rats pharmacological activation of MORs no longer presynaptically inhibited GABA release, whereas blocking the MORs disinhibited GABA release. Moreover, MOR-dependent long-term depression of GABA neurotransmission in the VP was lost in cocaine-extinguished rats. Last, GABA neurotransmission was found to be tonically suppressed in cocaine-extinguished rats. These substantial synaptic changes indicated that cocaine was increasing tone on MOR receptors. Accordingly, increasing endogenous tone by blocking the enzymatic degradation of enkephalin inhibited GABA neurotransmission in yoked saline rats but not in cocaine-extinguished rats. In conclusion, our results indicate that following withdrawal from cocaine self-administration enkephalin levels in the VP are elevated and the opioid modulation of GABA neurotransmission is impaired. This may contribute to the difficulties withdrawn addicts experience when trying to resist relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan M Kupchik
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, Chemical Biology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland 20892, Pharmaleads SAS, 75013 Paris, France, and Université Paris-Descartes, 75006 Paris, France
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16
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Zhang L, Loh HH, Law PY. A novel noncanonical signaling pathway for the μ-opioid receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 84:844-53. [PMID: 24061856 DOI: 10.1124/mol.113.088278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The µ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) signals as a classic G protein-coupled receptor by activating heterotrimeric Gi/Go proteins resulting in adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibition. Such AC inhibition is desensitized after prolonged agonist treatment. However, after receptor desensitization, the intracellular cAMP level remains regulated by OPRM1, as demonstrated by the intracellular cAMP level increase or AC superactivation upon removal of an agonist or addition of an antagonist. We now demonstrate that such intracellular cAMP regulation is mediated by a novel noncanonical signaling pathway resulting from OPRM1 being converted to a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-like entity. This noncanonical OPRM1 signaling is initiated by the receptor recruiting and activating Src kinase within the receptor complex, leading to phosphorylation of the OPRM1 Tyr(336) residue. Phospho-Tyr(336) serves as the docking site for growth factor receptor-bound protein/son of sevenless, leading to the recruitment and activation of the Ras/Raf-1 and subsequent phosphorylation and activation of AC5/6 by Raf-1. Such sequence of events was established by the absence of Ras/Raf1 recruitment and activation by the OPRM1-Y336F mutant, by the presence of Src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) or the absence of Src activity, by the presence of specific Raf-1 inhibitor GW5074 (5-iodo-3-[(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) methylene]-2-indolinone) or the absence of Raf-1, or by the dominant negative RasN17 mutant. Src together with Ras activates Raf1 which was established by the inability of the Raf1-Tyr(340/341) mutant to activate AC. Hence, the phosphorylation of OPRM1 at Tyr(336) by Src serves as the trigger for the conversion of a classic Gi/Go-coupled receptor into an RTK-like entity, resulting in a noncanonical pathway even after the original Gi/Go signals are blunted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Williams JT, Ingram SL, Henderson G, Chavkin C, von Zastrow M, Schulz S, Koch T, Evans CJ, Christie MJ. Regulation of μ-opioid receptors: desensitization, phosphorylation, internalization, and tolerance. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:223-54. [PMID: 23321159 DOI: 10.1124/pr.112.005942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 585] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine and related µ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists remain among the most effective drugs known for acute relief of severe pain. A major problem in treating painful conditions is that tolerance limits the long-term utility of opioid agonists. Considerable effort has been expended on developing an understanding of the molecular and cellular processes that underlie acute MOR signaling, short-term receptor regulation, and the progression of events that lead to tolerance for different MOR agonists. Although great progress has been made in the past decade, many points of contention and controversy cloud the realization of this progress. This review attempts to clarify some confusion by clearly defining terms, such as desensitization and tolerance, and addressing optimal pharmacological analyses for discerning relative importance of these cellular mechanisms. Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating MOR function by phosphorylation relative to receptor desensitization and endocytosis are comprehensively reviewed, with an emphasis on agonist-biased regulation and areas where knowledge is lacking or controversial. The implications of these mechanisms for understanding the substantial contribution of MOR signaling to opioid tolerance are then considered in detail. While some functional MOR regulatory mechanisms contributing to tolerance are clearly understood, there are large gaps in understanding the molecular processes responsible for loss of MOR function after chronic exposure to opioids. Further elucidation of the cellular mechanisms that are regulated by opioids will be necessary for the successful development of MOR-based approaches to new pain therapeutics that limit the development of tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Williams
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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18
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Straiker A, Wager-Miller J, Hutchens J, Mackie K. Differential signalling in human cannabinoid CB1 receptors and their splice variants in autaptic hippocampal neurones. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2660-71. [PMID: 22014238 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01744.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoids such as Δ(9) - tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component of marijuana and hashish, primarily act via cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors to produce characteristic behavioural effects in humans. Due to the tractability of rodent models for electrophysiological and behavioural studies, most of the studies of cannabinoid receptor action have used rodent cannabinoid receptors. While CB(1) receptors are relatively well-conserved among mammals, human CB(1) (hCB(1) ) differs from rCB(1) and mCB(1) receptors at 13 residues, which may result in differential signalling. In addition, two hCB(1) splice variants (hCB(1a) and hCB(1b) ) have been reported, diverging in their amino-termini relative to hCB(1) receptors. In this study, we have examined hCB(1) signalling in neurones. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH hCB(1) , hCB(1a) hCB(1b) or rCB(1) receptors were expressed in autaptic cultured hippocampal neurones from CB(1) (-/-) mice. Such cells express a complete endogenous cannabinoid signalling system. Electrophysiological techniques were used to assess CB(1) receptor-mediated signalling. KEY RESULTS Expressed in autaptic hippocampal neurones cultured from CB(1) (-/-) mice, hCB(1) , hCB(1a) and hCB(1b) signal differentially from one another and from rodent CB(1) receptors. Specifically, hCB(1) receptors inhibit synaptic transmission less effectively than rCB(1) receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results suggest that cannabinoid receptor signalling in humans is quantitatively very different from that in rodents. As the problems of marijuana and hashish abuse occur in humans, our results highlight the importance of studying hCB(1) receptors. They also suggest further study of the distribution and function of hCB(1) receptor splice variants, given their differential signalling and potential impact on human health. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Straiker
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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19
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Dang VC, Christie MJ. Mechanisms of rapid opioid receptor desensitization, resensitization and tolerance in brain neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1704-1716. [PMID: 21564086 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01482.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonists acting on µ-opioid receptors (MOR) are very effective analgesics but cause tolerance during long-term or repeated exposure. Intensive efforts have been made to find novel opioid agonists that are efficacious analgesics but can elude the signalling events that cause tolerance. µ-Opioid agonists differentially couple to downstream signalling mechanisms. Some agonists, such as enkephalins, D-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), methadone and sufentanyl are efficacious at mediating G-protein and effector coupling, as well as triggering MOR regulatory events that include MOR phosphorylation, β-arrestin binding, receptor endocytosis and recycling. By contrast, morphine and closely related alkaloids can mediate efficacious MOR-effector coupling but poorly trigger receptor regulation. Several models have been proposed to relate differential MOR regulation by different opioids with their propensity to cause tolerance. Most are based on dogma that β-arrestin-2 (βarr-2) binding causes MOR desensitization and/or that MOR endocytosis and recycling are required for receptor resensitization. This review will examine some of these notions in light of recent evidence establishing that MOR dephosphorylation and resensitization do not require endocytosis. Recent evidence from opioid-treated animals also suggests that impaired MOR-effector coupling is driven, at least in part, by enhanced desensitization, as well as impaired resensitization that appears to be βarr-2 dependent. Better understanding of how chronic exposure to opioids alters receptor regulatory mechanisms may facilitate the development of effective analgesics that produce limited tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu C Dang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USABrain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - MacDonald J Christie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USABrain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Modulation of histone deacetylase attenuates naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal syndrome. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2012; 385:605-19. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-012-0739-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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21
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Lau EK, Trester-Zedlitz M, Trinidad JC, Kotowski SJ, Krutchinsky AN, Burlingame AL, von Zastrow M. Quantitative encoding of the effect of a partial agonist on individual opioid receptors by multisite phosphorylation and threshold detection. Sci Signal 2011; 4:ra52. [PMID: 21868358 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2001748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In comparison to endogenous ligands of seven-transmembrane receptors, which typically act as full agonists, many drugs act as partial agonists. Partial agonism is best described as a "macroscopic" property that is manifest at the level of physiological systems or cell populations; however, whether partial agonists also encode discrete regulatory information at the "microscopic" level of individual receptors is not known. Here, we addressed this question by focusing on morphine, a partial agonist drug for μ-type opioid peptide receptors (MORs), and by combining quantitative mass spectrometry with cell biological analysis to investigate the reduced efficacy of morphine, compared to that of a peptide full agonist, in promoting receptor endocytosis. We showed that these chemically distinct ligands produced a complex and qualitatively similar mixture of phosphorylated opioid receptor forms in intact cells. Quantitatively, however, the different agonists promoted disproportionate multisite phosphorylation of a specific serine and threonine motif, and we found that modification at more than one residue was essential for the efficient recruitment of the adaptor protein β-arrestin that mediated subsequent endocytosis of MORs. Thus, quantitative encoding of agonist-selective endocytosis at the level of individual opioid receptors was based on the conserved biochemical principles of multisite phosphorylation and threshold detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine K Lau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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22
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Vandormael B, Fourla DD, Gramowski-Voss A, Kosson P, Weiss DG, Schröder OHU, Lipkowski A, Georgoussi Z, Tourwé D. Superpotent [Dmt¹] dermorphin tetrapeptides containing the 4-aminotetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold with mixed μ/δ opioid receptor agonistic properties. J Med Chem 2011; 54:7848-59. [PMID: 21978284 DOI: 10.1021/jm200894e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Novel dermorphin tetrapeptides are described in which Tyr(1) is replaced by Dmt(1), where d-Ala(2) and Gly(4) are N-methylated, and where Phe(3)-Gly(4) residue is substituted by the constrained Aba(3)-Gly(4) peptidomimetic. Most of these peptidic ligands displayed binding affinities in the nanomolar range for both μ- and δ-opioid receptors but no detectable affinity for the κ-opioid receptor. Measurements of cAMP accumulation, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in HEK293 cells stably expressing each of these receptors individually, and functional screening in primary neuronal cultures confirmed the potent agonistic properties of these peptides. The most potent ligand H-Dmt-NMe-d-Ala-Aba-Gly-NH(2) (BVD03) displayed mixed μ/δ opioid agonist properties with picomolar functional potencies. Functional electrophysiological in vitro assays using primary cortical and spinal cord networks showed that this analogue possessed electrophysiological similarity toward gabapentin and sufentanil, which makes it an interesting candidate for further study as an analgesic for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vandormael
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Nagi K, Piñeyro G. Regulation of opioid receptor signalling: implications for the development of analgesic tolerance. Mol Brain 2011; 4:25. [PMID: 21663702 PMCID: PMC3138391 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-4-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Opiate drugs are the most effective analgesics available but their clinical use is restricted by severe side effects. Some of these undesired actions appear after repeated administration and are related to adaptive changes directed at counteracting the consequences of sustained opioid receptor activation. Here we will discuss adaptations that contribute to the development of tolerance. The focus of the first part of the review is set on molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of opioid receptor signalling in heterologous expression systems and neurons. In the second part we assess how adaptations that take place in vivo may contribute to analgesic tolerance developed during repeated opioid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Nagi
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Canada
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Kumar K, Kumar S, Kurupati RK, Seth MK, Mohan A, Hussain ME, Pasha S. Intracellular cAMP assay and Eu-GTP-γS binding studies of chimeric opioid peptide YFa. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 650:28-33. [PMID: 20887721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In our previous studies chimeric peptide of Met-enkephalin and FMRFa, YGGFMKKKFMRFamide (YFa), demonstrated concentration dependent κ- and μ-opioid receptor mediated antinociception without tolerance development. To gain further insight of the observed behavior of YFa, the present study was undertaken. The effect of chimeric peptide on forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation under acute and chronic treatment and stimulation of Eu-GTP-γS binding in CHO cells stably expressing κ- and μ-opioid receptors was assessed. YFa showed concentration dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP in both hKOR and hMOR-CHO cells; however, the inhibition at 1nM was significantly higher in hKOR cells and comparable to DynA (1-13) than that shown at 20nM in hMOR cells. Chronic treatment of YFa, similar to DynA (1-13), did not show significant change in forskolin-stimulated cAMP level in both hKOR and hMOR cells. However, chronic treatment of morphine and DAMGO showed an increase in forskolin-stimulated cAMP level in hMOR-CHO cells indicating superactivation of adenylyl cyclase. Eu-GTP-γS binding studies of YFa showed a concentration dependent adherent binding with κ- and μ-opioid receptors; however, the latter demonstrated significant binding at higher concentration. Thus the study indicates the chimeric opioid peptide YFa as a potent κ- receptor specific antinociceptive moiety, showing no tolerance and hence may serve as a lead in understanding the mechanism of tolerance development, antinociception and its modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR), Mall Road, Delhi, India
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Abstract
Of all clinically marketed drugs, greater than thirty percent are modulators of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Nearly 400 GPCRs (i.e., excluding odorant and light receptors) are encoded within the human genome, but only a small fraction of these seven-transmembrane proteins have been identified as drug targets. Chronic pain affects more than one-third of the population, representing a substantial societal burden in use of health care resources and lost productivity. Furthermore, currently available treatments are often inadequate, underscoring the significant need for better therapeutic strategies. The expansion of the identified human GPCR repertoire, coupled with recent insights into the function and structure of GPCRs, offers new opportunities for the development of novel analgesic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Stone
- Faculty of Dentistry, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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26
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Archer-Lahlou E, Audet N, Amraei MG, Huard K, Paquin-Gobeil M, Pineyro G. Src promotes delta opioid receptor (DOR) desensitization by interfering with receptor recycling. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 13:147-63. [PMID: 18363847 PMCID: PMC3823043 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00308.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 02/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract An important limitation in the clinical use of opiates is progressive loss of analgesic efficacy over time. Development of analgesic tolerance is tightly linked to receptor desensitization. In the case of delta opioid receptors (DOR), desensitization is especially swift because receptors are rapidly internalized and are poorly recycled to the membrane. In the present study, we investigated whether Src activity contributed to this sorting pattern and to functional desensitization of DORs. A first series of experiments demonstrated that agonist binding activates Src and destabilizes a constitutive complex formed by the spontaneous association of DORs with the kinase. Src contribution to DOR desensitization was then established by showing that pre-treatment with Src inhibitor PP2 (20 microM; 1 hr) or transfection of a dominant negative Src mutant preserved DOR signalling following sustained exposure to an agonist. This protection was afforded without interfering with endocytosis, but suboptimal internalization interfered with PP2 ability to preserve DOR signalling, suggesting a post-endocytic site of action for the kinase. This assumption was confirmed by demonstrating that Src inhibition by PP2 or its silencing by siRNA increased membrane recovery of internalized DORs and was further corroborated by showing that inhibition of recycling by monensin or dominant negative Rab11 (Rab11S25N) abolished the ability of Src blockers to prevent desensitization. Finally, Src inhibitors accelerated recovery of DOR-Galphal3 coupling after desensitization. Taken together, these results indicate that Src dynamically regulates DOR recycling and by doing so contributes to desensitization of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Archer-Lahlou
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicolas Audet
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Karine Huard
- Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mélanie Paquin-Gobeil
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Canada
| | - Graciela Pineyro
- Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Canada
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Docking studies suggest ligand-specific delta-opioid receptor conformations. J Mol Model 2008; 15:267-80. [PMID: 19052783 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-008-0396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
An automated docking procedure was used to study binding of a series of delta-selective ligands to three models of the delta-opioid receptor. These models are thought to represent the three ligand-specific receptor conformations. Docking results are in agreement with point mutation studies and suggest that different ligands--agonists and antagonists--may bind to the same binding site under different receptor conformations. Docking to different receptor models (conformations) also suggests that by changing to a receptor-specific conformation, the receptor may open or close different binding sites to other ligands.
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28
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Zhang L, Zhao H, Qiu Y, Loh HH, Law PY. Src phosphorylation of micro-receptor is responsible for the receptor switching from an inhibitory to a stimulatory signal. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:1990-2000. [PMID: 19029294 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m807971200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that in G protein-coupled receptor signalings switching between G protein- and beta-arrestin (betaArr)-dependent pathways occurs. In the case of opioid receptors, the signal is switched from the initial inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) to an increase in AC activity (AC activation) during prolonged agonist treatment. The mechanism of such AC activation has been suggested to involve the switching of G proteins activated by the receptor, phosphorylation of signaling molecules, or receptor-dependent recruitment of cellular proteins. Using protein kinase inhibitors, dominant negative mutant studies and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells isolated from Src kinase knock-out mice, we demonstrated that mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1)-mediated AC activation requires direct association and activation of Src kinase by lipid raft-located OPRM1. Such Src activation was independent of betaArr as indicated by the ability of OPRM1 to activate Src and AC after prolonged agonist treatment in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells lacking both betaArr-1 and -2. Instead the switching of OPRM1 signals was dependent on the heterotrimeric G protein, specifically Gi2 alpha-subunit. Among the Src kinase substrates, OPRM1 was phosphorylated at Tyr336 within NPXXY motif by Src during AC activation. Mutation of this Tyr residue, together with mutation of Tyr166 within the DRY motif to Phe, resulted in the complete blunting of AC activation. Thus, the recruitment and activation of Src kinase by OPRM1 during chronic agonist treatment, which eventually results in the receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, is the key for switching the opioid receptor signals from its initial AC inhibition to subsequent AC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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29
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Vukojević V, Ming Y, D'Addario C, Hansen M, Langel U, Schulz R, Johansson B, Rigler R, Terenius L. Mu-opioid receptor activation in live cells. FASEB J 2008; 22:3537-48. [PMID: 18587007 DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-108894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Interaction of the mu-opioid receptor (MOP) with selected ligands was investigated in live cells using advanced imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy integrated with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. In PC12 cells stably transformed to express the fluorescently labeled MOP-enhanced green fluorescent protein construct, two pools of MOP were identified that could be discriminated by differences in their lateral mobility in the cell membrane. The majority of MOP receptors (80+/-10%) were characterized by a diffusion coefficient D(MOP,1) = (4+/-2) x 10(-11) m(2) s(-1), compared with the slowly moving fraction, D(MOP,2) = (4+/-2) x 10(-12) m(2) s(-1). On stimulation with selected agonists ([D-Ala(2),N-MePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin, enkephalin-heptapeptide Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe, morphine, and methadone), surface density of the MOP decreased, whereas the lateral mobility increased. In contrast, antagonists (naloxone and naltrexone) "froze" the receptor in the membrane, i.e., increased MOP surface density and decreased lateral mobility. Agonist activation was also accompanied by pronounced changes in the dynamics of plasma membrane lipids, as revealed by the general lipid marker 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate dye. The results provide new information about MOP activation in live cells at the molecular level, with a special focus on the dynamics of the intricate interplay between this receptor and the surrounding lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladana Vukojević
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, CMM L8:01, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Audet N, Galés C, Archer-Lahlou E, Vallières M, Schiller PW, Bouvier M, Pineyro G. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays reveal ligand-specific conformational changes within preformed signaling complexes containing delta-opioid receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:15078-88. [PMID: 18381293 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m707941200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Heptahelical receptors communicate extracellular information to the cytosolic compartment by binding an extensive variety of ligands. They do so through conformational changes that propagate to intracellular signaling partners as the receptor switches from a resting to an active conformation. This active state has been classically considered unique and responsible for regulation of all signaling pathways controlled by a receptor. However, recent functional studies have challenged this notion and called for a paradigm where receptors would exist in more than one signaling conformation. This study used bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays in combination with ligands of different functional profiles to provide in vivo physical evidence of conformational diversity of delta-opioid receptors (DORs). DORs and alpha(i1)beta(1)gamma(2) G protein subunits were tagged with Luc or green fluorescent protein to produce bioluminescence resonance energy transfer pairs that allowed monitoring DOR-G protein interactions from different vantage points. Results showed that DORs and heterotrimeric G proteins formed a constitutive complex that underwent structural reorganization upon ligand binding. Conformational rearrangements could not be explained by a two-state model, supporting the idea that DORs adopt ligand-specific conformations. In addition, conformational diversity encoded by the receptor was conveyed to the interaction among heterotrimeric subunits. The existence of multiple active receptor states has implications for the way we conceive specificity of signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Audet
- Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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31
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Gilchrist A. A perspective on more effective GPCR-targeted drug discovery efforts. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2008; 3:375-89. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.3.4.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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32
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Kelly E, Bailey CP, Henderson G. Agonist-selective mechanisms of GPCR desensitization. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 153 Suppl 1:S379-88. [PMID: 18059321 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The widely accepted model of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) regulation describes a system where the agonist-activated receptors couple to G proteins to induce a cellular response, and are subsequently phosphorylated by a family of kinases called the G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). The GRK-phosphorylated receptor then acts as a substrate for the binding of a family of proteins called arrestins, which uncouple the receptor and G protein so desensitizing the agonist-induced response. Other kinases, principally the second messenger-dependent protein kinases, are also known to play a role in the desensitization of many GPCR responses. It is now clear that there are subtle and complex interactions between GRKs and second messenger-dependent protein kinases in the regulation of GPCR function. Functional selectivity describes the ability of agonists to stabilize different active conformations of the same GPCR. With regard to desensitization, distinct agonist-activated conformations of a GPCR could undergo different molecular mechanisms of desensitization. An example of this is the mu opioid receptor (MOPr), where the agonists morphine and [D-Ala(2),N-MePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO) induce desensitization of the MOPr by different mechanisms, largely protein kinase C (PKC)- or GRK-dependent, respectively. This can be best explained by supposing that these two agonists stabilize distinct conformations of the MOPr, which are nevertheless able to couple to the relevant G-proteins and produce similar responses, yet are sufficiently different to trigger different regulatory processes. There is evidence that other GPCRs also undergo agonist-selective desensitization, but the full therapeutic consequences of this phenomenon await further detailed study.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kelly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Rodríguez-Muñoz M, de la Torre-Madrid E, Sánchez-Blázquez P, Garzón J. Morphine induces endocytosis of neuronal mu-opioid receptors through the sustained transfer of Galpha subunits to RGSZ2 proteins. Mol Pain 2007; 3:19. [PMID: 17634133 PMCID: PMC1947952 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-3-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 07/17/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In general, opioids that induce the recycling of μ-opioid receptors (MORs) promote little desensitization, although morphine is one exception to this rule. While morphine fails to provoke significant internalization of MORs in cultured cells, it does stimulate profound desensitization. In contrast, morphine does promote some internalization of MORs in neurons although this does not prevent this opioid from inducing strong antinociceptive tolerance. Results In neurons, morphine stimulates the long-lasting transfer of MOR-activated Gα subunits to proteins of the RGS-R7 and RGS-Rz subfamilies. We investigated the influence of this regulatory process on the capacity of morphine to promote desensitization and its association with MOR recycling in the mature nervous system. In parallel, we also studied the effects of [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5] encephalin (DAMGO), a potent inducer of MOR internalization that promotes little tolerance. We observed that the initial exposure to icv morphine caused no significant internalization of MORs but rather, a fraction of the Gα subunits was stably transferred to RGS proteins in a time-dependent manner. As a result, the antinociception produced by a second dose of morphine administered 6 h after the first was weaker. However, this opioid now stimulated the phosphorylation, internalization and recycling of MORs, and further exposure to morphine promoted little tolerance to this moderate antinociception. In contrast, the initial dose of DAMGO stimulated intense phosphorylation and internalization of the MORs associated with a transient transfer of Gα subunits to the RGS proteins, recovering MOR control shortly after the effects of the opioid had ceased. Accordingly, the recycled MORs re-established their association with G proteins and the neurons were rapidly resensitized to DAMGO. Conclusion In the nervous system, morphine induces a strong desensitization before promoting the phosphorylation and recycling of MORs. The long-term sequestering of morphine-activated Gα subunits by certain RGS proteins reduces the responses to this opioid in neurons. This phenomenon probably increases free Gβγ dimers in the receptor environment and leads to GRK phosphorylation and internalization of the MORs. Although, the internalization of the MORs permits the transfer of opioid-activated Gα subunits to the RGSZ2 proteins, it interferes with the stabilization of this regulatory process and recycled MORs recover the control on these Gα subunits and opioid tolerance develops slowly.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neurobiología Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Madrid E-28002, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Sánchez-Blázquez
- Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neurobiología Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Madrid E-28002, Spain
| | - Javier Garzón
- Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neurobiología Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Madrid E-28002, Spain
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Gilchrist A. Modulating G-protein-coupled receptors: from traditional pharmacology to allosterics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2007; 28:431-7. [PMID: 17644194 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2007.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 06/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Signal transduction is the means by which cells respond to variations in their environment. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors, accounting for >1% of the human genome. GPCRs respond to a wide variety of extracellular signals, including peptides, ions, amino acids, hormones, growth factors, light and odorant molecules. The receptors couple with heterotrimeric G proteins to transduce their signal across the membrane and into the cell. This coupling promotes the exchange of GDP for GTP on the Galpha subunit, leading to effector activation by both Galpha-GTP and Gbetagamma. Functional selectivity, whereby conformational changes in GPCRs induced by agonist binding lead to unique conformations that can differentially modulate the G protein coupling process, was first proposed over a decade ago. The implications are far reaching in pharmacology, as it means that a GPCR could have a different pharmacological profile depending on which G protein is activated and that the same GPCR could have different roles depending on the activating molecule as well as the G proteins present in the local environment.
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35
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Moya PR, Berg KA, Gutiérrez-Hernandez MA, Sáez-Briones P, Reyes-Parada M, Cassels BK, Clarke WP. Functional selectivity of hallucinogenic phenethylamine and phenylisopropylamine derivatives at human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 321:1054-61. [PMID: 17337633 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.117507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-substituted phenylisopropylamines and phenethylamines are 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) (5-HT)(2A/2C) agonists. The former are partial to full agonists, whereas the latter are partial to weak agonists. However, most data come from studies analyzing phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated responses, although additional effectors [e.g., phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))] are associated with these receptors. We compared two homologous series of phenylisopropylamines and phenethylamines measuring both PLA(2) and PLC responses in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells expressing human 5-HT(2A) or 5-HT(2C) receptors. In addition, we assayed both groups of compounds as head shake inducers in rats. At the 5-HT(2C) receptor, most compounds were partial agonists for both pathways. Relative efficacy of some phenylisopropylamines was higher for both responses compared with their phenethylamine counterparts, whereas for others, no differences were found. At the 5-HT(2A) receptor, most compounds behaved as partial agonists, but unlike findings at 5-HT(2C) receptors, all phenylisopropylamines were more efficacious than their phenethylamine counterparts. 2,5-Dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine activated only the PLC pathway at both receptor subtypes, 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine was selective for PLC at the 5-HT(2C) receptor, and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitrophenethylamine was PLA(2)-specific at the 5-HT(2A) receptor. For both receptors, the rank order of efficacy of compounds differed depending upon which response was measured. The phenylisopropylamines were strong head shake inducers, whereas their phenethylamine congeners were not, in agreement with in vitro results and the involvement of 5-HT(2A) receptors in the head shake response. Our results support the concept of functional selectivity and indicate that subtle changes in ligand structure can result in significant differences in the cellular signaling profile.
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MESH Headings
- DOM 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Methylamphetamine/analogs & derivatives
- DOM 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Methylamphetamine/pharmacology
- Amphetamines/pharmacology
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acid/metabolism
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Humans
- Inositol Phosphates/metabolism
- Male
- Mescaline/analogs & derivatives
- Mescaline/pharmacology
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Phenethylamines/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/physiology
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/physiology
- Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo R Moya
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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