1
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McNeill SM, Zhao P. The roles of RGS proteins in cardiometabolic disease. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2319-2337. [PMID: 36964984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most prominent receptors on the surface of the cell and play a central role in the regulation of cardiac and metabolic functions. GPCRs transmit extracellular stimuli to the interior of the cells by activating one or more heterotrimeric G proteins. The duration and intensity of G protein-mediated signalling are tightly controlled by a large array of intracellular mediators, including the regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins. RGS proteins selectively promote the GTPase activity of a subset of Gα subunits, thus serving as negative regulators in a pathway-dependent manner. In the current review, we summarise the involvement of RGS proteins in cardiometabolic function with a focus on their tissue distribution, mechanisms of action and dysregulation under various disease conditions. We also discuss the potential therapeutic applications for targeting RGS proteins in treating cardiometabolic conditions and current progress in developing RGS modulators. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M McNeill
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins (CCeMMP), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Patel NP, Bates CM, Patel A. Developmental Approaches to Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e45238. [PMID: 37842431 PMCID: PMC10576536 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain, which can potentially develop from acute pain, subacute pain, or breakthrough pain, is generally defined as pain persisting for greater than three months with minimal relief. Chronic pain can be associated with a myriad of medical conditions. It is also one of the most common causes of disability, physical suffering, depression, and reduced quality of life. Treatment can vary depending on the underlying pathophysiology and can involve physical therapy, non-pharmaceutical approaches, pharmaceutical drugs, and invasive procedures. Currently available pharmaceutical agents have been effective for short-term management of chronic pain conditions, but few options address chronic pain with long-term efficacy. First-line pharmaceutical agents can potentially include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have been linked to numerous side effects. If chronic pain persists, steroids are frequently used to provide longer relief. For more progressive or resistant chronic pain and/or in conjunction with invasive procedures, opioids have been utilized for acute treatment and for long-term maintenance. While these agents have proven to be effective for both acute and long-term use due to their modulation at various peripheral and central opioid receptors, they can be associated with numerous side effects and tied to the risk of addiction. As such, an unmet need exists to identify treatment modalities that provide opioid-like pain relief without opioid-induced adverse effects and the potential for addiction. This narrative review will provide an overview of the currently available treatment modalities for chronic pain and their adverse event profiles, as well as a review of therapies that are currently in development and/or preclinical trials for the management and treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P Patel
- College of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Chad M Bates
- College of Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Aakash Patel
- Anesthesiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, USA
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3
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Chan KYY, Chung PY, Zhang C, Poon ENY, Leung AWK, Leung KT. R4 RGS proteins as fine tuners of immature and mature hematopoietic cell trafficking. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:785-797. [PMID: 35694792 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1mr0422-475r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors. They are involved in almost every physiologic process and consequently have a pivotal role in an extensive number of pathologies, including genetic, neurologic, and immune system disorders. Indeed, the vast array of GPCRs mechanisms have led to the development of a tremendous number of drug therapies and already account for about a third of marketed drugs. These receptors mediate their downstream signals primarily via G proteins. The regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are now in the spotlight as the critical modulatory factors of active GTP-bound Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins to fine-tune the biologic responses driven by the GPCRs. Also, they possess noncanonical functions by multiple mechanisms, such as protein-protein interactions. Essential roles and impacts of these RGS proteins have been revealed in physiology, including hematopoiesis and immunity, and pathologies, including asthma, cancers, and neurologic disorders. This review focuses on the largest subfamily of R4 RGS proteins and provides a brief overview of their structures and G-proteins selectivity. With particular interest, we explore and highlight, their expression in the hematopoietic system and the regulation in the engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Distinct expression patterns of R4 RGS proteins in the hematopoietic system and their pivotal roles in stem cell trafficking pave the way for realizing new strategies for enhancing the clinical performance of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Finally, we discuss the exciting future trends in drug development by targeting RGS activity and expression with small molecules inhibitors and miRNA approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Yuen Yee Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Po Yee Chung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ellen Ngar Yun Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alex Wing Kwan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kam Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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4
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Chan WKB, DasGupta D, Carlson HA, Traynor JR. Mixed-solvent molecular dynamics simulation-based discovery of a putative allosteric site on regulator of G protein signaling 4. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:2170-2180. [PMID: 34494289 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) is an intracellular protein that binds to the Gα subunit ofheterotrimeric G proteins and aids in terminating G protein coupled receptor signaling. RGS4 has been implicated in pain, schizophrenia, and the control of cardiac contractility. Inhibitors of RGS4 have been developed but bind covalently to cysteine residues on the protein. Therefore, we sought to identify alternative druggable sites on RGS4 using mixed-solvent molecular dynamics simulations, which employ low concentrations of organic probes to identify druggable hotspots on the protein. Pseudo-ligands were placed in consensus hotspots, and perturbation with normal mode analysis led to the identification and characterization of a putative allosteric site, which would be invaluable for structure-based drug design of non-covalent, small molecule inhibitors. Future studies on the mechanism of this allostery will aid in the development of novel therapeutics targeting RGS4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace K B Chan
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Debarati DasGupta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Heather A Carlson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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5
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Senese NB, Kandasamy R, Kochan KE, Traynor JR. Regulator of G-Protein Signaling (RGS) Protein Modulation of Opioid Receptor Signaling as a Potential Target for Pain Management. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:5. [PMID: 32038168 PMCID: PMC6992652 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid drugs are the gold standard for the management of pain, but their use is severely limited by dangerous and unpleasant side effects. All clinically available opioid analgesics bind to and activate the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), a heterotrimeric G-protein-coupled receptor, to produce analgesia. The activity of these receptors is modulated by a family of intracellular RGS proteins or regulators of G-protein signaling proteins, characterized by the presence of a conserved RGS Homology (RH) domain. These proteins act as negative regulators of G-protein signaling by serving as GTPase accelerating proteins or GAPS to switch off signaling by both the Gα and βγ subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Consequently, knockdown or knockout of RGS protein activity enhances signaling downstream of MOR. In this review we discuss current knowledge of how this activity, across the different families of RGS proteins, modulates MOR activity, as well as activity of other members of the opioid receptor family, and so pain and analgesia in animal models, with particular emphasis on RGS4 and RGS9 families. We discuss inhibition of RGS proteins with small molecule inhibitors that bind to sensitive cysteine moieties in the RH domain and the potential for targeting this family of intracellular proteins as adjuncts to provide an opioid sparing effect or as standalone analgesics by promoting the activity of endogenous opioid peptides. Overall, we conclude that RGS proteins may be a novel drug target to provide analgesia with reduced opioid-like side effects, but that much basic work is needed to define the roles for specific RGS proteins, particularly in chronic pain, as well as a need to develop newer inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas B Senese
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ram Kandasamy
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Psychology, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, United States
| | - Kelsey E Kochan
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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6
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Echeverría E, Velez Rueda AJ, Cabrera M, Juritz E, Burghi V, Fabián L, Davio C, Lorenzano Menna P, Fernández NC. Identification of inhibitors of the RGS homology domain of GRK2 by docking-based virtual screening. Life Sci 2019; 239:116872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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7
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O'Brien JB, Wilkinson JC, Roman DL. Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins as drug targets: Progress and future potentials. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18571-18585. [PMID: 31636120 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.007060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in regulating processes such as cellular homeostasis, responses to stimuli, and cell signaling. Accordingly, GPCRs have long served as extraordinarily successful drug targets. It is therefore not surprising that the discovery in the mid-1990s of a family of proteins that regulate processes downstream of GPCRs generated great excitement in the field. This finding enhanced the understanding of these critical signaling pathways and provided potentially new targets for pharmacological intervention. These regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins were viewed by many as nodes downstream of GPCRs that could be targeted with small molecules to tune signaling processes. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the discovery of RGS proteins and of the gradual and continuing discovery of their roles in disease states, focusing particularly on cancer and neurological disorders. We also discuss high-throughput screening efforts that have led to the discovery first of peptide-based and then of small-molecule inhibitors targeting a subset of the RGS proteins. We explore the unique mechanisms of RGS inhibition these chemical tools have revealed and highlight the most up-to-date studies using these tools in animal experiments. Finally, we discuss the future opportunities in the field, as there are clearly more avenues left to be explored and potentials to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B O'Brien
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Joshua C Wilkinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - David L Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Iowa City, Iowa 52242; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
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8
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Mohammadi M, Mohammadiarani H, Shaw VS, Neubig RR, Vashisth H. Interplay of cysteine exposure and global protein dynamics in small-molecule recognition by a regulator of G-protein signaling protein. Proteins 2018; 87:146-156. [PMID: 30521141 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins play a pivotal role in regulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling and are therefore becoming an increasingly important therapeutic target. Recently discovered thiadiazolidinone (TDZD) compounds that target cysteine residues have shown different levels of specificities and potencies for the RGS4 protein, thereby suggesting intrinsic differences in dynamics of this protein upon binding of these compounds. In this work, we investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations the effect of binding of several small-molecule inhibitors on perturbations and dynamical motions in RGS4. Specifically, we studied two conformational models of RGS4 in which a buried cysteine residue is solvent-exposed due to side-chain motions or due to flexibility in neighboring helices. We found that TDZD compounds with aromatic functional groups perturb the RGS4 structure more than compounds with aliphatic functional groups. Moreover, small-molecules with aromatic functional groups but lacking sulfur atoms only transiently reside within the protein and spontaneously dissociate to the solvent. We further measured inhibitory effects of TDZD compounds using a protein-protein interaction assay on a single-cysteine RGS4 protein showing trends in potencies of compounds consistent with our simulation studies. Thermodynamic analyses of RGS4 conformations in the apo-state and on binding to TDZD compounds revealed links between both conformational models of RGS4. The exposure of cysteine side-chains appears to facilitate initial binding of TDZD compounds followed by migration of the compound into a bundle of four helices, thereby causing allosteric perturbations in the RGS/Gα protein-protein interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincent S Shaw
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
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9
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Senese NB, Rasenick MM, Traynor JR. The Role of G-proteins and G-protein Regulating Proteins in Depressive Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1289. [PMID: 30483131 PMCID: PMC6244039 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress toward new antidepressant therapies has been relatively slow over the past few decades, with the result that individuals suffering from depression often struggle to find an effective treatment – a process often requiring months. Furthermore, the neural factors that contribute to depression remain poorly understood, and there are many open questions regarding the mechanism of action of existing antidepressants. A better understanding of the molecular processes that underlie depression and contribute to antidepressant efficacy is therefore badly needed. In this review we highlight research investigating the role of G-proteins and the regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins, two protein families that are intimately involved in both the genesis of depressive states and the action of antidepressant drugs. Many antidepressants are known to indirectly affect the function of these proteins. Conversely, dysfunction of the G-protein and RGS systems can affect antidepressant efficacy. However, a great deal remains unknown about how these proteins interact with antidepressants. Findings pertinent to each individual G-protein and RGS protein are summarized from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas B Senese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mark M Rasenick
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology and Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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10
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Bodle CR, Schamp JH, O'Brien JB, Hayes MP, Wu M, Doorn JA, Roman DL. Screen Targeting Lung and Prostate Cancer Oncogene Identifies Novel Inhibitors of RGS17 and Problematic Chemical Substructures. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 23:363-374. [PMID: 29351497 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217752301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins temporally regulate heterotrimeric G protein signaling cascades elicited by G protein-coupled receptor activation and thus are essential for cell homeostasis. The dysregulation of RGS protein expression has been linked to several pathologies, spurring discovery efforts to identify small-molecule inhibitors of these proteins. Presented here are the results of a high-throughput screening (HTS) campaign targeting RGS17, an RGS protein reported to be inappropriately upregulated in several cancers. A screen of over 60,000 small molecules led to the identification of five hit compounds that inhibit the RGS17-Gαo protein-protein interaction. Chemical and biochemical characterization demonstrated that three of these hits inhibited the interaction through the decomposition of parent compound into reactive products under normal chemical library storage/usage conditions. Compound substructures susceptible to decomposition are reported and the decomposition process characterized, adding to the armamentarium of tools available to the screening field, allowing for the conservation of resources in follow-up efforts and more efficient identification of potentially decomposed compounds. Finally, analogues of one hit compound were tested, and the results establish the first ever structure-activity relationship (SAR) profile for a small-molecule inhibitor of RGS17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Bodle
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Josephine H Schamp
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joseph B O'Brien
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael P Hayes
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Meng Wu
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,2 University of Iowa High Throughput Screening Facility (UIHTS), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,3 Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Doorn
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David L Roman
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,4 Cancer Signaling and Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, UIHC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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11
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Hayes MP, Bodle CR, Roman DL. Evaluation of the Selectivity and Cysteine Dependence of Inhibitors across the Regulator of G Protein-Signaling Family. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 93:25-35. [PMID: 29051318 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.109843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery more than 20 years ago, regulators of G protein-signaling (RGS) proteins have received considerable attention as potential drug targets because of their ability to modulate Gα activity. Efforts to identify small molecules capable of inhibiting the protein-protein interactions between activated Gα subunits and RGS proteins have yielded a substantial number of inhibitors, especially toward the well studied RGS4. These efforts also determined that many of these small molecules inhibit the protein-protein interactions through covalent modification of cysteine residues within the RGS domain that are located distal to the Gα-binding interface. As some of these cysteine residues are highly conserved within the RGS family, many of these inhibitors display activity toward multiple RGS family members. In this work, we sought to determine the selectivity of these small-molecule inhibitors against 12 RGS proteins, as well as against the cysteine-null mutants for 10 of these proteins. Using both biochemical and cell-based methods to assess Gα-RGS complex formation and Gα enzymatic activity, we found that several previously identified RGS4 inhibitors were active against other RGS members, such as RGS14, with comparable or greater potency. Additionally, for every compound tested, activity was dependent on the presence of cysteine residues. This work defines the selectivity of commercially available RGS inhibitors and provides insight into the RGS family members for which drug discovery efforts may be most likely to succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Hayes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics University of Iowa (M.P.H., C.R.B., D.L.R.) and Cancer Signaling and Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (D.L.R.), Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Christopher R Bodle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics University of Iowa (M.P.H., C.R.B., D.L.R.) and Cancer Signaling and Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (D.L.R.), Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David L Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics University of Iowa (M.P.H., C.R.B., D.L.R.) and Cancer Signaling and Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (D.L.R.), Iowa City, Iowa
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12
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Bodle CR, Mackie DI, Hayes MP, Schamp JH, Miller MR, Henry MD, Doorn JA, Houtman JCD, James MA, Roman DL. Natural Products Discovered in a High-Throughput Screen Identified as Inhibitors of RGS17 and as Cytostatic and Cytotoxic Agents for Lung and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017. [PMID: 28621943 PMCID: PMC5567870 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Regulator of G Protein Signaling (RGS) 17 is an overexpressed promoter of cancer survival in lung and prostate tumors, the knockdown of which results in decreased tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Identification of drug-like molecules inhibiting this protein could ameliorate the RGS17's pro-tumorigenic effect. Using high-throughput screening, a chemical library containing natural products was interrogated for inhibition of the RGS17-Gαo interaction. Initial hits were verified in control and counter screens. Leads were characterized via biochemical, mass spectrometric, Western blot, microscopic, and cytotoxicity measures. Four known compounds (1-4) were identified with IC50 values ranging from high nanomolar to low micromolar. Three compounds were extensively characterized biologically, demonstrating cellular activity determined by confocal microscopy, and two compounds were assessed via ITC exhibiting high nanomolar to low micromolar dissociation constants. The compounds were found to have a cysteine-dependent mechanism of binding, verified through site-directed mutagenesis and cysteine reactivity assessment. Two compounds, sanguinarine (1) and celastrol (2), were found to be cytostatic against lung and prostate cancer cell lines and cytotoxic against prostate cancer cell lines in vitro, although the dependence of RGS17 on these phenomena remains elusive, a result that is perhaps not surprising given the multimodal cytostatic and cytotoxic activities of many natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Bodle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Duncan I. Mackie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, UIHC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Michael P. Hayes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Josephine H Schamp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Michael R. Miller
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, UIHC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Michael D. Henry
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Biophysics, and Pathology, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jonathan A. Doorn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jon C. D. Houtman
- Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Michael A. James
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
- Pancreatic Cancer Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
| | - David L. Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Cancer Signaling and Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, UIHC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Corresponding Author. Tel: 319-335-6920. Fax: 319-335-8766.
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13
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Sjögren B. The evolution of regulators of G protein signalling proteins as drug targets - 20 years in the making: IUPHAR Review 21. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:427-437. [PMID: 28098342 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their discovery. The unveiling of this new family of negative regulators of G protein signalling in the mid-1990s solved a persistent conundrum in the G protein signalling field, in which the rate of deactivation of signalling cascades in vivo could not be replicated in exogenous systems. Since then, there has been tremendous advancement in the knowledge of RGS protein structure, function, regulation and their role as novel drug targets. RGS proteins play an important modulatory role through their GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity at active, GTP-bound Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. They also possess many non-canonical functions not related to G protein signalling. Here, an update on the status of RGS proteins as drug targets is provided, highlighting advances that have led to the inclusion of RGS proteins in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database of drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sjögren
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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14
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Development of a bimolecular luminescence complementation assay for RGS: G protein interactions in cells. Anal Biochem 2017; 522:10-17. [PMID: 28115169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cell based assessment tools and screening platforms are the preferred paradigm for small molecule identification and validation due to selectively identifying molecules with cellular activity and validation of compound activity against target proteins in their native environment. With respect to Regulator of G Protein Signaling (RGS) proteins, current cell based methodologies are either low throughput or monitor downstream signaling consequences. The increasing number of reports indicating RGS function in various disease pathogeneses highlights the need for a robust RGS inhibitor discovery and characterization paradigm. Promega's NanoBit Protein Complementation Assay utilizes NanoLuc, an engineered luciferase with enhanced luminescence characteristics which allow for both robust and kinetic assessment of protein interaction formation and disruption. Here we characterized 15 separate RGS: G protein interactions using this system. The binding profile of RGS: Gα interactions correlates to prior published biochemical binding profiles of these proteins. Additionally, we demonstrated this system is suitable for high throughput screening efforts via calculation of Z-factors for three of the interactions and demonstrated that a known small molecule inhibitor of RGS4 disrupts the RGS4: Gαi1 protein-protein interaction. In conclusion, the NanoBit Protein Complementation Assay holds promise as a robust platform for discovery and characterization of RGS inhibitors.
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15
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Tinker A, Finlay M, Nobles M, Opel A. The contribution of pathways initiated via the Gq\11 G-protein family to atrial fibrillation. Pharmacol Res 2016; 105:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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16
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Gerber KJ, Squires KE, Hepler JR. Roles for Regulator of G Protein Signaling Proteins in Synaptic Signaling and Plasticity. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 89:273-86. [PMID: 26655302 DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) family of proteins serves critical roles in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and heterotrimeric G protein signal transduction. RGS proteins are best understood as negative regulators of GPCR/G protein signaling. They achieve this by acting as GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) for Gα subunits and accelerating the turnoff of G protein signaling. Many RGS proteins also bind additional signaling partners that either regulate their functions or enable them to regulate other important signaling events. At neuronal synapses, GPCRs, G proteins, and RGS proteins work in coordination to regulate key aspects of neurotransmitter release, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity, which are necessary for central nervous system physiology and behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed key roles for specific RGS proteins in multiple signaling pathways at neuronal synapses, regulating both pre- and postsynaptic signaling events and synaptic plasticity. Here, we review and highlight the current knowledge of specific RGS proteins (RGS2, RGS4, RGS7, RGS9-2, and RGS14) that have been clearly demonstrated to serve critical roles in modulating synaptic signaling and plasticity throughout the brain, and we consider their potential as future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Gerber
- Programs in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology (K.J.G., K.E.S., J.R.H.) and Neuroscience (J.R.H.), Department of Pharmacology (K.J.G., K.E.S., J.R.H.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katherine E Squires
- Programs in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology (K.J.G., K.E.S., J.R.H.) and Neuroscience (J.R.H.), Department of Pharmacology (K.J.G., K.E.S., J.R.H.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John R Hepler
- Programs in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology (K.J.G., K.E.S., J.R.H.) and Neuroscience (J.R.H.), Department of Pharmacology (K.J.G., K.E.S., J.R.H.), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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17
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Doupnik CA. RGS Redundancy and Implications in GPCR-GIRK Signaling. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 123:87-116. [PMID: 26422983 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins) are key components of GPCR complexes, interacting directly with G protein α-subunits to enhance their intrinsic GTPase activity. The functional consequence is an accelerated termination of G protein effectors including certain ion channels. RGS proteins have a profound impact on the membrane-delimited gating behavior of G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channels as demonstrated in reconstitution assays and recent RGS knockout mice studies. Akin to GPCRs and G protein αβγ subunits, multiple RGS isoforms are expressed within single GIRK-expressing neurons, suggesting functional redundancy and/or specificity in GPCR-GIRK channel signaling. The extent and impact of RGS redundancy in neuronal GPCR-GIRK channel signaling is currently not fully appreciated; however, recent studies from RGS knockout mice are providing important new clues on the impact of individual endogenous RGS proteins and the extent of RGS functional redundancy. Incorporating "tools" such as engineered RGS-resistant Gαi/o subunits provide an important assessment method for determining the impact of all endogenous RGS proteins on a given GPCR response and an accounting benchmark to assess the impact of individual RGS knockouts on overall RGS redundancy within a given neuron. Elucidating the degree of regulation attributable to specific RGS proteins in GIRK channel function will aid in the assessment of individual RGS proteins as viable therapeutic targets in epilepsy, ataxia's, memory disorders, and a growing list of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A Doupnik
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.
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18
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Blazer LL, Storaska AJ, Jutkiewicz EM, Turner EM, Calcagno M, Wade SM, Wang Q, Huang XP, Traynor JR, Husbands SM, Morari M, Neubig RR. Selectivity and anti-Parkinson's potential of thiadiazolidinone RGS4 inhibitors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:911-9. [PMID: 25844489 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many current therapies target G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), transporters, or ion channels. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting the protein-protein interactions that localize or regulate their function could enhance selectivity and provide unique pharmacologic actions. Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, especially RGS4, play significant roles in epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. Thiadiazolidinone (TDZD) inhibitors of RGS4 are nanomolar potency blockers of the biochemical actions of RGS4 in vitro. Here, we demonstrate the substantial selectivity (8- to >5000-fold) of CCG-203769 for RGS4 over other RGS proteins. It is also 300-fold selective for RGS4 over GSK-3β, another target of this class of chemical scaffolds. It does not inhibit the cysteine protease papain at 100 μM. CCG-203769 enhances Gαq-dependent cellular Ca(2+) signaling in an RGS4-dependent manner. TDZD inhibitors also enhance Gαi-dependent δ-OR inhibition of cAMP production in SH-SY-5Y cells, which express endogenous receptors and RGS4. Importantly, CCG-203769 potentiates the known RGS4 mechanism of Gαi-dependent muscarinic bradycardia in vivo. Furthermore, it reverses raclopride-induced akinesia and bradykinesia in mice, a model of some aspects of the movement disorder in Parkinson's disease. A broad assessment of compound effects revealed minimal off-target effects at concentrations necessary for cellular RGS4 inhibition. These results expand our understanding of the mechanism and specificity of TDZD RGS inhibitors and support the potential for therapeutic targeting of RGS proteins in Parkinson's disease and other neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi L. Blazer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | - Andrew J. Storaska
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Emily M. Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | - Emma M. Turner
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, U.K
| | - Mariangela Calcagno
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of
Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy 44121
| | - Susan M. Wade
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug
Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | | | - Michele Morari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of
Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy 44121
| | - Richard R. Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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19
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Groll N, Emele F, Poetz O, Rothbauer U. Towards multiplexed protein-protein interaction analysis using protein tag-specific nanobodies. J Proteomics 2015; 127:289-99. [PMID: 25937269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dynamic protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are an integral part of cellular processes. The discovery of modulators that disrupt or stabilize such interactions is highly important to understand PPIs and address correlating diseases. Bead-based protein assays analyzing PPIs between bait- and prey-proteins exemplify emerging methodologies. To date, most studies employ purified bait-proteins from bacteria. Such proteins are of limited use as they do not undergo eukaryotic folding and lack posttranslational modifications. Here, we present a novel method to generate bead-based protein arrays combining μ-scale purification of bait-proteins combined with site-directed immobilization. First, we express individual bait-proteins as GST- or GFP-fusion constructs in bacterial and mammalian cells. Next, we purify and immobilize these bait-proteins from crude lysates using high affinity tag-specific nanobodies coupled to color-coded beads. Finally, we combined those bait-coupled beads in a protein-array for miniaturized multiplexed GST- and GFP pulldown studies. In a proof-of-principle we study dynamic changes of the endogenous prey-protein β-catenin following proteasomal inhibition or signaling pathway perturbation. Our strategy enables a fast isolation of highly pure and stable bait-proteins derived from small-scale expression cultures. We propose that this approach enables the generation of bead-based protein arrays comprising hundreds of bait-proteins from different expression systems to study complex PPIs. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Protein arrays and multiplexed sandwich immunoassays, are widely applied to study protein-protein interaction or to investigate the signaling status of stimulated cells. This study describes for the first time the application of tag-specific nanobodies for site directed immobilization of bait-proteins from different expression systems to generate bead based protein arrays. The analysis of the Wnt-pathway activation by multiplexed μ-scale pulldowns demonstrated the advantages of eukaryotic expression systems regarding the stability and binding properties of individual bait proteins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: HUPO 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Groll
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Felix Emele
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Poetz
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany.
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20
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Yasgar A, Simeonov A. Current approaches for the discovery of drugs that deter substance and drug abuse. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:1319-31. [PMID: 25251069 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.956721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Much has been presented and debated on the topic of drug abuse and its multidimensional nature, including the role of society and its customs and laws, economical factors, and the magnitude and nature of the burden. Given the complex nature of the receptors and pathways implicated in regulation of the cognitive and behavioral processes associated with addiction, a large number of molecular targets have been interrogated during recent years to discover starting points for development of small-molecule interventions. AREAS COVERED This review describes recent developments in the field of early drug discovery for drug abuse interventions with an emphasis on the advances published during the 2012 - 2014 period. EXPERT OPINION Technologically, the processes/platforms utilized in drug abuse drug discovery are nearly identical to those used in the other disease areas. A key complicating factor in drug abuse research is the enormous biological complexity surrounding the brain processes involved and the associated difficulty in finding 'good' targets and achieving exquisite selectivity of treatment agents. While tremendous progress has been made during recent years to use the power of high-throughput technologies to discover proof-of-principle molecules for many new targets, next-generation models will be especially important in this field. Examples include: seeking advantageous drug-drug combinations, the use of automated whole-animal behavioral screening systems, advancing our understanding of the role of epigenetics in drug addiction and the employment of organoid-level 3D test platforms (also referred to as tissue-chip or organs-on-chip).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Yasgar
- National Institutes of Health, NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences , Bethesda, MD , USA +1 301 217 5721 ; +1 301 217 5736 ;
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21
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Wang Q, Terauchi A, Yee CH, Umemori H, Traynor JR. 5-HT1A receptor-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) is modulated by regulator of G protein signaling protein 19. Cell Signal 2014; 26:1846-52. [PMID: 24793302 PMCID: PMC8019269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The 5-HT1A receptor is a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that activates G proteins of the Gαi/o family. 5-HT1A receptors expressed in the raphe, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are implicated in the control of mood and are targets for anti-depressant drugs. Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are members of a large family that play important roles in signal transduction downstream of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The main role of RGS proteins is to act as GTPase accelerating proteins (GAPs) to dampen or negatively regulate GPCR-mediated signaling. We have shown that a mouse expressing Gαi2 that is insensitive to all RGS protein GAP activity has an anti-depressant-like phenotype due to increased signaling of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, thus implicating the 5-HT1A receptor-Gαi2 complex as an important target. Here we confirm that RGS proteins act as GAPs to regulate signaling to adenylate cyclase and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway downstream of the 5-HT1A receptor, using RGS-insensitive Gαi2 protein expressed in C6 cells. We go on to use short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to show that RGS19 is responsible for the GAP activity in C6 cells and also that RGS19 acts as a GAP for 5-HT1A receptor signaling in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and primary hippocampal neurons. In addition, in both cell types the synergy between 5-HT1A receptor and the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in stimulating the MAPK pathway is enhanced following shRNA reduction of RGS19 expression. Thus RGS19 may be a viable new target for anti-depressant medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akiko Terauchi
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christopher H Yee
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hisashi Umemori
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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