1
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Alves SMDL, da Silva SB, Santos RCA, Feitosa SG, de Farias PHM, Silva-Júnior JA, Rodrigues D, Potje SR, Tostes RC, Dos Anjos JV, Araújo AV. New morpholine-containing pyrimidinones act on α-adrenoceptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176788. [PMID: 38977175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Drugs that act on α-adrenoceptors may contain morpholine and pyrimidinone heterocycles. The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of pyrimidinones (S6a-e and S8) and characterize their α-adrenoceptor activity. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT and LDH) were performed in A7r5 and HUVECs. Concentration-effect curves to phenylephrine (Phe) were performed in rat aortic rings in the presence of compounds S6a-e and S8 or vehicle. Nitric oxide (NO) production and NO stable metabolic products, nitrite and nitrate, expressed as total nitrogen oxides (NOx) were assessed in HUVECs by confocal microscopy with the DAF-2DA probe and by the Griess reaction, respectively. Molecular docking simulations were performed using the 6a compound and α2A-adrenoceptor. In the evaluated conditions, the percentage of viable cells and the release of LDH were similar between control cells and cells exposed to the tested pyrimidinones. S6d, S6e, S8, and the positive control prazosin (but not S6a, S6b, and S6c) decreased Phe-induced contractions in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. S6a, S6b, and S6c decreased Phe-induced contractions in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The effect of S6a was abolished by L-NAME. NO production and NOx levels were inhibited in the presence of the α2 receptor antagonist yohimbine and the NOS inhibitor L-NAME. The 6a docking simulation estimated that the mean binding free energy of the compound was lower than the estimated value for yohimbine. These data suggest that S6d, S6e, and S8 may be α1-adrenoceptor antagonists while S6a acts as an agonist of α2-adrenoceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maria de Luna Alves
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão-PE, Brazil
| | - Sidiane Barros da Silva
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão-PE, Brazil
| | | | - Sidney Gustavo Feitosa
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique Miranda de Farias
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Rodrigues
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Simone Regina Potje
- Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Unidade Acadêmica de Passos, Universidade Do Estado de Minas Gerais - UEMG, Passos-MG, Brazil
| | - Rita C Tostes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Janaína Versiani Dos Anjos
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Alice Valença Araújo
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Vitória de Santo Antão-PE, Brazil.
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2
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Lou JS, Su M, Wang J, Do HN, Miao Y, Huang XY. Distinct binding conformations of epinephrine with α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01296-x. [PMID: 39218975 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Agonists targeting α2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are used to treat diverse conditions, including hypertension, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, pain, panic disorders, opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and cigarette cravings. These receptors transduce signals through heterotrimeric Gi proteins. Here, we elucidated cryo-EM structures that depict α2A-AR in complex with Gi proteins, along with the endogenous agonist epinephrine or the synthetic agonist dexmedetomidine. Molecular dynamics simulations and functional studies reinforce the results of the structural revelations. Our investigation revealed that epinephrine exhibits different conformations when engaging with α-ARs and β-ARs. Furthermore, α2A-AR and β1-AR (primarily coupled to Gs, with secondary associations to Gi) were compared and found to exhibit different interactions with Gi proteins. Notably, the stability of the epinephrine-α2A-AR-Gi complex is greater than that of the dexmedetomidine-α2A-AR-Gi complex. These findings substantiate and improve our knowledge on the intricate signaling mechanisms orchestrated by ARs and concurrently shed light on the regulation of α-ARs and β-ARs by epinephrine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Shu Lou
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Minfei Su
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jinan Wang
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen Do
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | - Yinglong Miao
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA
| | - Xin-Yun Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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3
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Lv X, Zhou P, Qiao X, Li Y, Yang X, Wang J, He X, Su R. Designing Chromane Derivatives as α 2A-Adrenoceptor Selective Agonists via Conformation Constraint. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11435-11449. [PMID: 38889119 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Enhancing the selectivity of alpha2-adrenoceptor (α2A-AR) agonists remains an unresolved issue. Herein, we reported the design of an α2A-AR agonist using the conformation constraint method, beginning with medetomidine. The structure-activity relationship indicated that the 8-substituent of chromane derivatives exerted the most pronounced effect on α2A-AR agonistic activity. Compounds A9 and B9 were identified as the most promising, exhibiting EC50 values of 0.78 and 0.23 nM, respectively. Their selectivity indexes surpassed dexmedetomidine (DMED) by 10-80 fold. In vivo studies demonstrated that both A9 and B9 dose-dependently increased the loss of righting reflex in mice, with ED50 values of 1.54 and 0.138 mg/kg, respectively. Binding mode calculations and mutation studies suggested the indispensability of the hydrogen bond between ASP1283.32 and α2A-AR agonist. In particular, A9 and B9 showed no dual reverse pharmacological effect, a characteristic exhibited by DMED in α2A-AR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucheng Lv
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Peilan Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xuehong Qiao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yulei Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xingxing Yang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xinhua He
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Ruibin Su
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
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4
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Zhou P, Lu F, Zhu H, Shi B, Wang X, Sun S, Li Y, Su R. The Discovery of Novel α 2a Adrenergic Receptor Agonists Only Coupling to Gαi/O Proteins by Virtual Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7233. [PMID: 39000340 PMCID: PMC11241340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Most α2-AR agonists derived from dexmedetomidine have few structural differences between them and have no selectivity for α2A/2B-AR or Gi/Gs, which can lead to side effects in drugs. To obtain novel and potent α2A-AR agonists, we performed virtual screening for human α2A-AR and α2B-AR to find α2A-AR agonists with higher selectivity. Compound P300-2342 and its three analogs significantly decreased the locomotor activity of mice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, P300-2342 and its three analogs inhibited the binding of [3H] Rauwolscine with IC50 values of 7.72 ± 0.76 and 12.23 ± 0.11 μM, respectively, to α2A-AR and α2B-AR. In α2A-AR-HEK293 cells, P300-2342 decreased forskolin-stimulated cAMP production without increasing cAMP production, which indicated that P300-2342 activated α2A-AR with coupling to the Gαi/o pathway but without Gαs coupling. P300-2342 exhibited no agonist but slight antagonist activities in α2B-AR. Similar results were obtained for the analogs of P300-2342. The docking results showed that P300-2342 formed π-hydrogen bonds with Y394, V114 in α2A-AR, and V93 in α2B-AR. Three analogs of P300-2342 formed several π-hydrogen bonds with V114, Y196, F390 in α2A-AR, and V93 in α2B-AR. We believe that these molecules can serve as leads for the further optimization of α2A-AR agonists with potentially few side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (F.L.); (H.Z.); (B.S.); (X.W.); (S.S.); (Y.L.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (F.L.); (H.Z.); (B.S.); (X.W.); (S.S.); (Y.L.)
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5
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Sun S, Li P, Wang J, Zhao D, Yang T, Zhou P, Su R, Zheng Z, Li S. Novel Scaffold Agonists of the α 2A Adrenergic Receptor Identified via Ensemble-Based Strategy. Molecules 2024; 29:1097. [PMID: 38474611 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The α2A adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) serves as a critical molecular target for sedatives and analgesics. However, α2A-AR ligands with an imidazole ring also interact with an imidazoline receptor as well as other proteins and lead to undesirable effects, motivating us to develop more novel scaffold α2A-AR ligands. For this purpose, we employed an ensemble-based ligand discovery strategy, integrating long-term molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and virtual screening, to identify new potential α2A-AR agonists with novel scaffold. Our results showed that compounds SY-15 and SY-17 exhibited significant biological effects in the preliminary evaluation of protein kinase A (PKA) redistribution assays. They also reduced levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in a dose-dependent manner. Upon treatment of the cells with 100 μM concentrations of SY-15 and SY-17, there was a respective decrease in the intracellular cAMP levels by 63.43% and 53.83%. Subsequent computational analysis was conducted to elucidate the binding interactions of SY-15 and SY-17 with the α2A-AR. The binding free energies of SY-15 and SY-17 calculated by MD simulations were -45.93 and -71.97 kcal/mol. MD simulations also revealed that both compounds act as bitopic agonists, occupying the orthosteric site and a novel exosite of the receptor simultaneously. Our findings of integrative computational and experimental approaches could offer the potential to enhance ligand affinity and selectivity through dual-site occupancy and provide a novel direction for the rational design of sedatives and analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Sun
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Pengyun Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhao
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peilan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhibing Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Song Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Strategic Drugs, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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6
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Abdul-Ridha A, de Zhang LA, Betrie AH, Deluigi M, Vaid TM, Whitehead A, Zhang Y, Davis B, Harris R, Simmonite H, Hubbard RE, Gooley PR, Plückthun A, Bathgate RA, Chalmers DK, Scott DJ. Identification of a Novel Subtype-Selective α 1B-Adrenoceptor Antagonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:671-684. [PMID: 38238043 PMCID: PMC10854767 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
α1A-, α1B-, and α1D-adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) are members of the adrenoceptor G protein-coupled receptor family that are activated by adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline. α1-ARs are clinically targeted using antagonists that have minimal subtype selectivity, such as prazosin and tamsulosin, to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia, respectively. Abundant expression of α1-ARs in the heart and central nervous system (CNS) makes these receptors potential targets for the treatment of cardiovascular and CNS disorders, such as heart failure, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Our understanding of the precise physiological roles of α1-ARs, however, and their involvement in disease has been hindered by the lack of sufficiently subtype-selective tool compounds, especially for α1B-AR. Here, we report the discovery of 4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-6-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (Cpd1), as an α1B-AR antagonist that has 10-15-fold selectivity over α1A-AR and α1D-AR. Through computational and site-directed mutagenesis studies, we have identified the binding site of Cpd1 in α1B-AR and propose the molecular basis of α1B-AR selectivity, where the nonconserved V19745.52 residue plays a major role, with contributions from L3146.55 within the α1B-AR pocket. By exploring the structure-activity relationships of Cpd1 at α1B-AR, we have also identified 3-[(cyclohexylamino)methyl]-6-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one (Cpd24), which has a stronger binding affinity than Cpd1, albeit with reduced selectivity for α1B-AR. Cpd1 and Cpd24 represent potential leads for α1B-AR-selective drug discovery and novel tool molecules to further study the physiology of α1-ARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abdul-Ridha
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Lazarus A. de Zhang
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - Mattia Deluigi
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tasneem M. Vaid
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- The
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- The Bio21
Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Alice Whitehead
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Yifan Zhang
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ben Davis
- Vernalis
(R&D) Ltd, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K.
| | - Richard Harris
- Vernalis
(R&D) Ltd, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K.
| | | | - Roderick E. Hubbard
- Vernalis
(R&D) Ltd, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
| | - Paul R. Gooley
- The
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- The Bio21
Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ross A.D. Bathgate
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- The
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K. Chalmers
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Scott
- The
Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- The
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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7
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Ruan Y, Buonfiglio F, Gericke A. Adrenoceptors in the Eye - Physiological and Pathophysiological Relevance. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 285:453-505. [PMID: 38082203 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in the innervation of the eye. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that catecholamines and their corresponding receptors have been extensively studied and characterized in numerous ocular structures, including the cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, trabecular meshwork, uvea, and retina. These investigations have unveiled substantial clinical implications, particularly in the context of treating glaucoma, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder responsible for irreversible vision loss on a global scale. The primary therapeutic approaches for glaucoma frequently involve the modulation of α1-, α2-, and β-adrenoceptors, making them pivotal targets. In this chapter, we offer a comprehensive overview of the expression, distribution, and functional roles of adrenoceptors within various components of the eye and its associated structures. Additionally, we delve into the pivotal role of adrenoceptors in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Furthermore, we provide a concise historical perspective on adrenoceptor research, examine the distinct contributions of individual adrenoceptor subtypes to the treatment of various ocular conditions, and propose potential future avenues of exploration in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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8
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Baker JG, Summers RJ. Adrenoceptors: Receptors, Ligands and Their Clinical Uses, Molecular Pharmacology and Assays. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 285:55-145. [PMID: 38926158 DOI: 10.1007/164_2024_713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The nine G protein-coupled adrenoceptor subtypes are where the endogenous catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline interact with cells. Since they are important therapeutic targets, over a century of effort has been put into developing drugs that modify their activity. This chapter provides an outline of how we have arrived at current knowledge of the receptors, their physiological roles and the methods used to develop ligands. Initial studies in vivo and in vitro with isolated organs and tissues progressed to cell-based techniques and the use of cloned adrenoceptor subtypes together with high-throughput assays that allow close examination of receptors and their signalling pathways. The crystal structures of many of the adrenoceptor subtypes have now been determined opening up new possibilities for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian G Baker
- Cell Signalling, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Roger J Summers
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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9
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Lee KH, Manning JJ, Javitch J, Shi L. A Novel "Activation Switch" Motif Common to All Aminergic Receptors. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5001-5017. [PMID: 37540602 PMCID: PMC10695015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Aminergic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that transduce signals from small endogenous biogenic amines to regulate intracellular signaling pathways. Agonist binding in the ligand binding pocket on the extracellular side opens and prepares a cavity on the intracellular face of the receptors to interact with and activate G proteins and β-arrestins. Here, by reviewing and analyzing all available aminergic receptor structures, we seek to identify activation-related conformational changes that are independent of the specific scaffold of the bound agonist, which we define as "activation conformational changes" (ACCs). While some common intracellular ACCs have been well-documented, identifying common extracellular ACCs, including those in the ligand binding pocket, is complicated by local adjustments to different ligand scaffolds. Our analysis shows no common ACCs at the extracellular ends of the transmembrane helices. Furthermore, the restricted access to the ligand binding pocket identified previously in some receptors is not universal. Notably, the Trp6.48 toggle switch and the Pro5.50-Ile3.40-Phe6.44 (PIF) motif at the bottom of the ligand binding pocket have previously been proposed to mediate the conformational consequences of ligand binding to the intracellular side of the receptors. Our analysis shows that common ACCs in the ligand binding pocket are associated with the PIF motif and nearby residues, including Trp6.48, but fails to support a shared rotamer toggle associated with activation. However, we identify two common rearrangements between the extracellular and middle subsegments, and propose a novel "activation switch" motif common to all aminergic receptors. This motif includes the middle subsegments of transmembrane helices 3, 5, and 6 and integrates both the PIF motif and Trp6.48.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Hao Lee
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jamie J. Manning
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan Javitch
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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10
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Woodward DJ, Thorp JG, Akosile W, Ong JS, Gamazon ER, Derks EM, Gerring ZF. Identification of drug repurposing candidates for the treatment of anxiety: A genetic approach. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115343. [PMID: 37473490 PMCID: PMC10493169 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a group of prevalent and heritable neuropsychiatric diseases. We previously conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) which identified genomic loci associated with anxiety; however, the biological consequences underlying the genetic associations are largely unknown. Integrating GWAS and functional genomic data may improve our understanding of the genetic effects on intermediate molecular phenotypes such as gene expression. This can provide an opportunity for the discovery of drug targets for anxiety via drug repurposing. We used the GWAS summary statistics to determine putative causal genes for anxiety using MAGMA and colocalization analyses. A transcriptome-wide association study was conducted to identify genes with differential genetically regulated levels of gene expression in human brain tissue. The genes were integrated with a large drug-gene expression database (Connectivity Map), discovering compounds that are predicted to "normalise" anxiety-associated expression changes. The study identified 64 putative causal genes associated with anxiety (35 genes upregulated; 29 genes downregulated). Drug mechanisms adrenergic receptor agonists, sigma receptor agonists, and glutamate receptor agonists gene targets were enriched in anxiety-associated genetic signal and exhibited an opposing effect on the anxiety-associated gene expression signature. The significance of the project demonstrated genetic links for novel drug candidates to potentially advance anxiety therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian J Woodward
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jackson G Thorp
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Wole Akosile
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jue-Sheng Ong
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Eric R Gamazon
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, TN, USA; Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eske M Derks
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Zachary F Gerring
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia.
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11
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Toyoda Y, Zhu A, Kong F, Shan S, Zhao J, Wang N, Sun X, Zhang L, Yan C, Kobilka BK, Liu X. Structural basis of α 1A-adrenergic receptor activation and recognition by an extracellular nanobody. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3655. [PMID: 37339967 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The α1A-adrenergic receptor (α1AAR) belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors that respond to adrenaline and noradrenaline. α1AAR is involved in smooth muscle contraction and cognitive function. Here, we present three cryo-electron microscopy structures of human α1AAR bound to the endogenous agonist noradrenaline, its selective agonist oxymetazoline, and the antagonist tamsulosin, with resolutions range from 2.9 Å to 3.5 Å. Our active and inactive α1AAR structures reveal the activation mechanism and distinct ligand binding modes for noradrenaline compared with other adrenergic receptor subtypes. In addition, we identified a nanobody that preferentially binds to the extracellular vestibule of α1AAR when bound to the selective agonist oxymetazoline. These results should facilitate the design of more selective therapeutic drugs targeting both orthosteric and allosteric sites in this receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Toyoda
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Angqi Zhu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fang Kong
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Sisi Shan
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- NexVac Research Center, Comprehensive AIDS Research Center, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jiawei Zhao
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaoou Sun
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Linqi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- NexVac Research Center, Comprehensive AIDS Research Center, Center for Infectious Disease Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chuangye Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Brian K Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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12
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Fragola NR, Brems BM, Mukherjee M, Cui M, Booth RG. Conformationally Selective 2-Aminotetralin Ligands Targeting the alpha2A- and alpha2C-Adrenergic Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1884-1895. [PMID: 37104867 PMCID: PMC10628895 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many important physiological processes are mediated by alpha2A- and alpha2C-adrenergic receptors (α2Rs), a subtype of class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, α2R signaling is poorly understood, and there are few approved medications targeting these receptors. Drug discovery aimed at α2Rs is complicated by the high degree of binding pocket homology between α2AR and α2CR, which confounds ligand-mediated selective activation or inactivation of signaling associated with a particular subtype. Meanwhile, α2R signaling is complex and it is reported that activating α2AR is beneficial in many clinical contexts, while activating α2CR signaling may be detrimental to these positive effects. Here, we report on a novel 5-substituted-2-aminotetralin (5-SAT) chemotype that, depending on substitution, has diverse pharmacological activities at α2Rs. Certain lead 5-SAT analogues act as partial agonists at α2ARs, while functioning as inverse agonists at α2CRs, a novel pharmacological profile. Leads demonstrate high potency (e.g., EC50 < 2 nM) at the α2AR and α2CRs regarding Gαi-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). To help understand the molecular basis of 5-SAT α2R multifaceted functional activity, α2AR and α2CR molecular models were built from the crystal structures and 1 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular docking experiments were performed for a lead 5-SAT with α2AR agonist and α2CR inverse agonist activity, i.e., (2S)-5-(2'-fluorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-amine (FPT), in comparison to the FDA-approved (for opioid withdrawal symptoms) α2AR/α2CR agonist lofexidine. Results reveal several interactions between FPT and α2AR and α2CR amino acids that may impact the functional activity. The computational data in conjunction with experimental in vitro affinity and function results provide information to understand ligand stabilization of functionally distinct GPCR conformations regarding α2AR and α2CRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R. Fragola
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry
& Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 208, Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Brittany M. Brems
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry
& Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 208, Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Munmun Mukherjee
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry
& Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 208, Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Meng Cui
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry
& Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 208, Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Raymond G. Booth
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry
& Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 208, Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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13
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Saggu S, Chen Y, Cottingham C, Rehman H, Wang H, Zhang S, Augelli-Szafran C, Lu S, Lambert N, Jiao K, Lu XY, Wang Q. Activation of a novel α 2AAR-spinophilin-cofilin axis determines the effect of α 2 adrenergic drugs on fear memory reconsolidation. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:588-600. [PMID: 36357671 PMCID: PMC9647772 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01851-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the pandemic has emerged as a major neuropsychiatric component of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, yet the current pharmacotherapy for PTSD is limited. The use of adrenergic drugs to treat PTSD has been suggested; however, it is hindered by conflicting clinical results and a lack of mechanistic understanding of drug actions. Our studies, using both genetically modified mice and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons, reveal a novel α2A adrenergic receptor (α2AAR)-spinophilin-cofilin axis in the hippocampus that is critical for regulation of contextual fear memory reconsolidation. In addition, we have found that two α2 ligands, clonidine and guanfacine, exhibit differential abilities in activating this signaling axis to disrupt fear memory reconsolidation. Stimulation of α2AAR with clonidine, but not guanfacine, promotes the interaction of the actin binding protein cofilin with the receptor and with the dendritic spine scaffolding protein spinophilin to induce cofilin activation at the synapse. Spinophilin-dependent regulation of cofilin is required for clonidine-induced disruption of contextual fear memory reconsolidation. Our results inform the interpretation of differential clinical observations of these two drugs on PTSD and suggest that clonidine could provide immediate treatment for PTSD symptoms related to the current pandemic. Furthermore, our study indicates that modulation of dendritic spine morphology may represent an effective strategy for the development of new pharmacotherapies for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Saggu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Yunjia Chen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Christopher Cottingham
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Alabama, Florence, AL, 35632, USA
| | - Hasibur Rehman
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Sixue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Corinne Augelli-Szafran
- Department of Chemistry, Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
- Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Sumin Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, GA30912, USA
| | - Nevin Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, GA30912, USA
| | - Kai Jiao
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, GA30912, USA
| | - Xin-Yun Lu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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14
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Deutsch S, Parsons R, Shia J, Detmering S, Seng C, Ng A, Uribe J, Manahan M, Friedman A, Winters-Bostwick G, Crook RJ. Evaluation of Candidates for Systemic Analgesia and General Anesthesia in the Emerging Model Cephalopod, Euprymna berryi. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:201. [PMID: 36829480 PMCID: PMC9953149 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cephalopods' remarkable behavior and complex neurobiology make them valuable comparative model organisms, but studies aimed at enhancing welfare of captive cephalopods remain uncommon. Increasing regulation of cephalopods in research laboratories has resulted in growing interest in welfare-oriented refinements, including analgesia and anesthesia. Although general and local anesthesia in cephalopods have received limited prior study, there have been no studies of systemic analgesics in cephalopods to date. Here we show that analgesics from several different drug classes may be effective in E. berryi. Buprenorphine, ketorolac and dexmedetomidine, at doses similar to those used in fish, showed promising effects on baseline nociceptive thresholds, excitability of peripheral sensory nerves, and on behavioral responses to transient noxious stimulation. We found no evidence of positive effects of acetaminophen or ketamine administered at doses that are effective in vertebrates. Bioinformatic analyses suggested conserved candidate receptors for dexmedetomidine and ketorolac, but not buprenorphine. We also show that rapid general immersion anesthesia using a mix of MgCl2 and ethanol was successful in E. berryi at multiple age classes, similar to findings in other cephalopods. These data indicate that systemic analgesia and general anesthesia in Euprymna berryi are achievable welfare enhancing interventions, but further study and refinement is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skyler Deutsch
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Rachel Parsons
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Jonathan Shia
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02445, USA
| | - Sarah Detmering
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Christopher Seng
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Alyssa Ng
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Jacqueline Uribe
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Megan Manahan
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Amanda Friedman
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | | | - Robyn J. Crook
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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15
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Geevarghese M, Patel K, Gulati A, Ranjan AK. Role of adrenergic receptors in shock. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1094591. [PMID: 36726848 PMCID: PMC9885157 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1094591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Shock is a severe, life-threatening medical condition with a high mortality rate worldwide. All four major categories of shock (along with their various subtypes)-hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, and obstructive, involve a dramatic mismatch between oxygen supply and demand, and share standard features of decreased cardiac output, reduced blood pressure, and overall hypoperfusion. Immediate and appropriate intervention is required regardless of shock type, as a delay can result in cellular dysfunction, irreversible multiple organ failure, and death. Studies have shown that dysfunction and downregulation of adrenergic receptors (ARs) are often implicated in these shock conditions; for example, their density is shown to be decreased in hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, while their reduced signaling in the brain and vasculature decrease blood perfusion and oxygen supply. There are two main categories of ARs, α, and β, each with its subtypes and distributions. Our group has demonstrated that a dose of .02 mg/kg body wt of centhaquine (CQ) specifically activates α2B ARs on venous circulation along with the central α2A ARs after hypovolemic/hemorrhagic shock. Activating these receptors by CQ increases cardiac output (CO) and reduces systemic vascular resistance (SVR), with a net increase in blood pressure and tissue perfusion. The clinical trials of CQ conducted by Pharmazz Inc. in India have demonstrated significantly improved survival in shock patients. CQ improved blood pressure and shock index, indicating better blood circulation, and reduced lactate levels in the blood compared to in-use standard resuscitative agents. After successful clinical trials, CQ is being marketed as a drug (Lyfaquin®) for hypovolemic/hemorrhagic shock in India, and United States FDA has approved the phase III IND application. It is anticipated that the phase III trial in the United States will begin in 2023. Thus, we have demonstrated that α2 ARs could be suitable targets for treating or managing hypovolemic/hemorrhagic shock. Further understanding of ARs in shock would help find new potential pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Geevarghese
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Krishna Patel
- Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Anil Gulati
- Pharmazz Inc., Research and Development, Willowbrook, IL, United States,Department of Bioengineering, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Midwestern University College of Pharmacy Downers Grove, Downers Grove, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Anil Gulati, ; Amaresh K. Ranjan,
| | - Amaresh K. Ranjan
- Midwestern University College of Pharmacy Downers Grove, Downers Grove, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Anil Gulati, ; Amaresh K. Ranjan,
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16
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Biggane JP, Xu K, Goldenstein BL, Davis KL, Luger EJ, Davis BA, Jurgens CWD, Perez DM, Porter JE, Doze VA. Pharmacological characterization of the α 2A-adrenergic receptor inhibiting rat hippocampal CA3 epileptiform activity: comparison of ligand efficacy and potency. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2022; 42:580-587. [PMID: 35984443 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2022.2110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism underlying the antiepileptic actions of norepinephrine (NE) is unclear with conflicting results. Our objectives are to conclusively delineate the specific adrenergic receptor (AR) involved in attenuating hippocampal CA3 epileptiform activity and assess compounds for lead drug development. We utilized the picrotoxin model of seizure generation in rat brain slices using electrophysiological recordings. Epinephrine (EPI) reduced epileptiform burst frequency in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify the specific receptor involved in this response, the equilibrium dissociation constants were determined for a panel of ligands and compared with established binding values for α1, α2, and other receptor subtypes. Correlation and slope of unity were found for the α2A-AR, but not other receptors. Effects of different chemical classes of α-AR agonists at inhibiting epileptiform activity by potency (pEC50) and relative efficacy (RE) were determined. Compared with NE (pEC50, 6.20; RE, 100%), dexmedetomidine, an imidazoline (pEC50, 8.59; RE, 67.1%), and guanabenz, a guanidine (pEC50, 7.94; RE, 37.9%), exhibited the highest potency (pEC50). In contrast, the catecholamines, EPI (pEC50, 6.95; RE, 120%) and α-methyl-NE (pEC50, 6.38; RE, 116%) were the most efficacious. These findings confirm that CA3 epileptiform activity is mediated solely by α2A-ARs without activation of other receptor systems. These findings suggest a pharmacotherapeutic target for treating epilepsy and highlight the need for selective and efficacious α2A-AR agonists that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Biggane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Brianna L Goldenstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Kylie L Davis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Luger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Bethany A Davis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Chris W D Jurgens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Dianne M Perez
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James E Porter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Van A Doze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
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17
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Peng X, Yang L, Liu Z, Lou S, Mei S, Li M, Chen Z, Zhang H. Structural basis for recognition of antihistamine drug by human histamine receptor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6105. [PMID: 36243875 PMCID: PMC9569329 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The histamine receptors belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, and play important roles in the regulation of histamine and other neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, as potential targets for the treatment of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Here we report the crystal structure of human histamine receptor H3R bound to an antagonist PF-03654746 at 2.6 Å resolution. Combined with the computational and functional assays, our structure reveals binding modes of the antagonist and allosteric cholesterol. Molecular dynamic simulations and molecular docking of different antihistamines further elucidate the conserved ligand-binding modes. These findings are therefore expected to facilitate the structure-based design of novel antihistamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqian Peng
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XHangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Linlin Yang
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Zixuan Liu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XHangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Siyi Lou
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XHangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Shiliu Mei
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XHangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Meiling Li
- grid.207374.50000 0001 2189 3846Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Zhong Chen
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Haitao Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XHangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XThe Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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18
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Proudman RGW, Akinaga J, Baker JG. The signaling and selectivity of α-adrenoceptor agonists for the human α2A, α2B and α2C-adrenoceptors and comparison with human α1 and β-adrenoceptors. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e01003. [PMID: 36101495 PMCID: PMC9471048 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
α2-adrenoceptors, (α2A, α2B and α2C-subtypes), are Gi-coupled receptors. Central activation of brain α2A and α2C-adrenoceptors is the main site for α2-agonist mediated clinical responses in hypertension, ADHD, muscle spasm and ITU management of sedation, reduction in opiate requirements, nausea and delirium. However, despite having the same Gi-potency in functional assays, some α2-agonists also stimulate Gs-responses whilst others do not. This was investigated. Agonist responses to 49 different α-agonists were studied (CRE-gene transcription, cAMP, ERK1/2-phosphorylation and binding affinity) in CHO cells stably expressing the human α2A, α2B or α2C-adrenoceptor, enabling ligand intrinsic efficacy to be determined (binding KD /Gi-IC50 ). Ligands with high intrinsic efficacy (e.g., brimonidine and moxonidine at α2A) stimulated biphasic (Gi-Gs) concentration responses, however for ligands with low intrinsic efficacy (e.g., naphazoline), responses were monophasic (Gi-only). ERK1/2-phosphorylation responses appeared to be Gi-mediated. For Gs-mediated responses to be observed, both a system with high receptor reserve and high agonist intrinsic efficacy were required. From the Gi-mediated efficacy ratio, the degree of Gs-coupling could be predicted. The clinical relevance and precise receptor conformational changes that occur, given the structural diversity of compounds with high intrinsic efficacy, remains to be determined. Comparison with α1 and β1/β2-adrenoceptors demonstrated subclass affinity selectivity for some compounds (e.g., α2:dexmedetomidine, α1:A61603) whilst e.g., oxymetazoline had high affinity for both α2A and α1A-subtypes, compared to all others. Some compounds had subclass selectivity due to selective intrinsic efficacy (e.g., α2:brimonidine, α1:methoxamine/etilefrine). A detailed knowledge of these agonist characteristics is vital for improving computer-based deep-learning and drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G. W. Proudman
- Cell Signalling Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, C Floor Medical School, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Juliana Akinaga
- Cell Signalling Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, C Floor Medical School, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Jillian G. Baker
- Cell Signalling Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, C Floor Medical School, Queen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
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19
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Fink EA, Xu J, Hübner H, Braz JM, Seemann P, Avet C, Craik V, Weikert D, Schmidt MF, Webb CM, Tolmachova NA, Moroz YS, Huang XP, Kalyanaraman C, Gahbauer S, Chen G, Liu Z, Jacobson MP, Irwin JJ, Bouvier M, Du Y, Shoichet BK, Basbaum AI, Gmeiner P. Structure-based discovery of nonopioid analgesics acting through the α 2A-adrenergic receptor. Science 2022; 377:eabn7065. [PMID: 36173843 PMCID: PMC10360211 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn7065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Because nonopioid analgesics are much sought after, we computationally docked more than 301 million virtual molecules against a validated pain target, the α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2AAR), seeking new α2AAR agonists chemotypes that lack the sedation conferred by known α2AAR drugs, such as dexmedetomidine. We identified 17 ligands with potencies as low as 12 nanomolar, many with partial agonism and preferential Gi and Go signaling. Experimental structures of α2AAR complexed with two of these agonists confirmed the docking predictions and templated further optimization. Several compounds, including the initial docking hit '9087 [mean effective concentration (EC50) of 52 nanomolar] and two analogs, '7075 and PS75 (EC50 4.1 and 4.8 nanomolar), exerted on-target analgesic activity in multiple in vivo pain models without sedation. These newly discovered agonists are interesting as therapeutic leads that lack the liabilities of opioids and the sedation of dexmedetomidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa A. Fink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joao M. Braz
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philipp Seemann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Avet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Veronica Craik
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dorothee Weikert
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian F. Schmidt
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chase M. Webb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nataliya A. Tolmachova
- Enamine Ltd., 02094 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry, National Ukrainian Academy of Science, 02660 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yurii S. Moroz
- National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Chemspace, Riga LV-1082, Latvia
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chakrapani Kalyanaraman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Gahbauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Matthew P. Jacobson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John J. Irwin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Brian K. Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Allan I. Basbaum
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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20
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Aslanoglou D, Bertera S, Friggeri L, Sánchez-Soto M, Lee J, Xue X, Logan RW, Lane JR, Yechoor VK, McCormick PJ, Meiler J, Free RB, Sibley DR, Bottino R, Freyberg Z. Dual pancreatic adrenergic and dopaminergic signaling as a therapeutic target of bromocriptine. iScience 2022; 25:104771. [PMID: 35982797 PMCID: PMC9379584 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromocriptine is approved as a diabetes therapy, yet its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Though bromocriptine's actions have been mainly attributed to the stimulation of brain dopamine D2 receptors (D2R), bromocriptine also targets the pancreas. Here, we employ bromocriptine as a tool to elucidate the roles of catecholamine signaling in regulating pancreatic hormone secretion. In β-cells, bromocriptine acts on D2R and α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) to reduce glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Moreover, in α-cells, bromocriptine acts via D2R to reduce glucagon secretion. α2A-AR activation by bromocriptine recruits an ensemble of G proteins with no β-arrestin2 recruitment. In contrast, D2R recruits G proteins and β-arrestin2 upon bromocriptine stimulation, demonstrating receptor-specific signaling. Docking studies reveal distinct bromocriptine binding to α2A-AR versus D2R, providing a structural basis for bromocriptine's dual actions on β-cell α2A-AR and D2R. Together, joint dopaminergic and adrenergic receptor actions on α-cell and β-cell hormone release provide a new therapeutic mechanism to improve dysglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Aslanoglou
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Suzanne Bertera
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laura Friggeri
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marta Sánchez-Soto
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeongkyung Lee
- Diabetes and Beta Cell Biology Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J. Robert Lane
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Vijay K. Yechoor
- Diabetes and Beta Cell Biology Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter J. McCormick
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, Germany
| | - R. Benjamin Free
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David R. Sibley
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rita Bottino
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Allegheny Health Network Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Imagine Pharma, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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21
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Pérez Piñero C, Rivero EM, Gargiulo L, Rodríguez MS, Bruque CD, Bruzzone A, Lüthy IA. Adrenergic receptors in breast cancer. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 193:37-63. [PMID: 36357079 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide and in the majority of the countries. Breast cancers are classified on the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as luminal, HER2+ and triple negative breast cancer. The intrinsic molecular subtypes match this classification. Cancer diagnosis and treatment cause distress. In both acute and chronic stress, the secreted catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline trigger the "fight-or-flight" response. This chapter focuses on the actions of the β2 and α2 adrenergic receptors in several models of breast cancer. The actions of these receptors depend on the model used to investigate them. The β2-adrenergic receptors seem to exert a dual action. They can directly act on the epithelial cells inhibiting cell proliferation and migration/invasion and indirectly upon the immune microenvironment. The proportion of β2 receptors in each compartment could, therefore, lean the scale to an inhibition or to an exacerbation of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. All the work points to a beneficial or neutral action of β-blockers on breast cancer. With respect to α2-adrenergic receptors, the investigation performed by our group suggest that the α2B and the α2C receptors are linked to enhanced cell proliferation and tumor growth acting through both the epithelial and the stromal (fibroblastic) compartments while α2A could be beneficial for patients. Some adrenergic compounds could be repurposed for breast cancer treatment due to their very low side effects and very well-known pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pérez Piñero
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Lucía Gargiulo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Sol Rodríguez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos David Bruque
- Genética Molecular Humana y Bioinformática, Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional Hospitalaria Patagónica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad SAMIC - El Calafate, El Calafate, Argentina
| | - Ariana Bruzzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas Bahía Blanca INIBIBB -CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel Alicia Lüthy
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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22
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Melis MR, Sanna F, Argiolas A. Dopamine, Erectile Function and Male Sexual Behavior from the Past to the Present: A Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070826. [PMID: 35884633 PMCID: PMC9312911 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Early and recent studies show that dopamine through its neuronal systems and receptor subtypes plays different roles in the control of male sexual behavior. These studies show that (i) the mesolimbic/mesocortical dopaminergic system plays a key role in the preparatory phase of sexual behavior, e.g., in sexual arousal, motivation and reward, whereas the nigrostriatal system controls the sensory-motor coordination necessary for copulation, (ii) the incertohypothalamic system is involved in the consummatory aspects of sexual behavior (penile erection and copulation), but evidence for its role in sexual motivation is also available, (iii) the pro-sexual effects of dopamine occur in concert with neural systems interconnecting the hypothalamus and preoptic area with the spinal cord, ventral tegmental area and other limbic brain areas and (iv) D2 and D4 receptors play a major role in the pro-sexual effects of dopamine. Despite some controversy, increases or decreases, respectively, of brain dopamine activity induced by drugs or that occur physiologically, usually improves or worsens, respectively, sexual activity. These findings suggest that an altered central dopaminergic tone plays a role in mental pathologies characterized by aberrant sexual behavior, and that pro-erectile D4 receptor agonists may be considered a new strategy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.
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23
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Xu J, Cao S, Hübner H, Weikert D, Chen G, Lu Q, Yuan D, Gmeiner P, Liu Z, Du Y. Structural insights into ligand recognition, activation, and signaling of the α 2A adrenergic receptor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj5347. [PMID: 35245122 PMCID: PMC8896805 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj5347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The α2A adrenergic receptor (α2AAR) is a G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein)-coupled receptor that mediates important physiological functions in response to the endogenous neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as numerous chemically distinct drugs. However, the molecular mechanisms of drug actions remain poorly understood. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human α2AAR-GoA complex bound to norepinephrine and three imidazoline derivatives (brimonidine, dexmedetomidine, and oxymetazoline). Together with mutagenesis and functional data, these structures provide important insights into the molecular basis of ligand recognition, activation, and signaling at the α2AAR. Further structural analyses uncover different molecular determinants between α2AAR and βARs for recognition of norepinephrine and key regions that determine the G protein coupling selectivity. Overall, our studies provide a framework for understanding the signal transduction of the adrenergic system at the atomic level, which will facilitate rational structure-based discovery of safer and more effective medications for α2AAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Sheng Cao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dorothée Weikert
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Qiuyuan Lu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Daopeng Yuan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (P.G.); (Z.L.); (Y.D.)
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (P.G.); (Z.L.); (Y.D.)
| | - Zheng Liu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (P.G.); (Z.L.); (Y.D.)
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Corresponding author. (D.Y.); (P.G.); (Z.L.); (Y.D.)
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24
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Deluigi M, Morstein L, Schuster M, Klenk C, Merklinger L, Cridge RR, de Zhang LA, Klipp A, Vacca S, Vaid TM, Mittl PRE, Egloff P, Eberle SA, Zerbe O, Chalmers DK, Scott DJ, Plückthun A. Crystal structure of the α 1B-adrenergic receptor reveals molecular determinants of selective ligand recognition. Nat Commun 2022; 13:382. [PMID: 35046410 PMCID: PMC8770593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
α-adrenergic receptors (αARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that regulate vital functions of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The therapeutic potential of αARs, however, is largely unexploited and hampered by the scarcity of subtype-selective ligands. Moreover, several aminergic drugs either show off-target binding to αARs or fail to interact with the desired subtype. Here, we report the crystal structure of human α1BAR bound to the inverse agonist (+)-cyclazosin, enabled by the fusion to a DARPin crystallization chaperone. The α1BAR structure allows the identification of two unique secondary binding pockets. By structural comparison of α1BAR with α2ARs, and by constructing α1BAR-α2CAR chimeras, we identify residues 3.29 and 6.55 as key determinants of ligand selectivity. Our findings provide a basis for discovery of α1BAR-selective ligands and may guide the optimization of aminergic drugs to prevent off-target binding to αARs, or to elicit a selective interaction with the desired subtype. This study reports the X-ray structure of the α1B-adrenergic G protein-coupled receptor bound to an inverse agonist, and unveils key determinants of subtype-selective ligand binding that may help the design of aminergic drugs with fewer side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Deluigi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lena Morstein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schuster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Klenk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Merklinger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Riley R Cridge
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Lazarus A de Zhang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander Klipp
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Santiago Vacca
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tasneem M Vaid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peer R E Mittl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Egloff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie A Eberle
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David K Chalmers
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Daniel J Scott
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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25
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Jiao X, Xing Y, Wang H, Jin X, Zhang T, Peng X, Li R, Liang L, Liu R, Han L, Li Z. A strategy based on gene sequencing and molecular docking for analysis and prediction of bioactive peptides in Shuxuetong injection. Biophys Chem 2021; 282:106749. [PMID: 34971853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are a class of protein fragments with relatively high biological activity and intense specificity, which play crucial role in the treatment of Shuxuetong injection (SXT). However, the extraordinary complexity of Chinese medicinal formulates and the lack of systematic identification methods are primary challenges for study of pharmacodynamic peptides. In addition, infinitesimal peptides contents further hinder the identification and structural characterization of polypeptide by traditional means. In this paper, we described a strategy that LC-MS combined with molecular docking to systematically illustrate the peptide components of SXT. The key to this research was used of gene sequencing to establish a SXT protein database to further achieve the separation and enrichment of chemical methods. Moreover, the ADRA2A, PAR4 and DRD3 were precisely docked with the identified peptides. The result indicated that 12 compounds had stable binding ability and were speculated to be the latent bioactive monomers for the treatment of stroke. Additionally, 12 peptides were verified by cell-based experiment. The results showed that only YLKTT could indeed protect astrocytes from oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The YLKTT showed higher activity than the others in vitro. It might be a completely new compound that has never been reported before, providing the basis for further research and a new paradigm for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yanchao Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Military Medicine Section, Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 1 Huizhihuan Road, Dongli District, Tianjin 300309, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xingru Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Liuyi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Lifeng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, West Zone of Tuanbo New City, Jinghai District, Tianjin 301617, China.
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26
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Presynaptic Release-Regulating Alpha2 Autoreceptors: Potential Molecular Target for Ellagic Acid Nutraceutical Properties. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111759. [PMID: 34829630 PMCID: PMC8614955 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphenol ellagic acid (EA) possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic and cardio protection activities, making it an interesting multi-targeting profile. EA also controls the central nervous system (CNS), since it was proven to reduce the immobility time of mice in both the forced swimming and the tail-suspension tests, with an efficiency comparable to that of classic antidepressants. Interestingly, the anti-depressant-like effect was almost nulled by the concomitant administration of selective antagonists of the noradrenergic receptors, suggesting the involvement of these cellular targets in the central effects elicited by EA and its derivatives. By in silico and in vitro studies, we discuss how EA engages with human α2A-ARs and α2C-AR catalytic pockets, comparing EA behaviour with that of known agonists and antagonists. Structurally, the hydrophobic residues surrounding the α2A-AR pocket confer specificity on the intermolecular interactions and hence lead to favourable binding of EA in the α2A-AR, with respect to α2C-AR. Moreover, EA seems to better accommodate within α2A-ARs into the TM5 area, close to S200 and S204, which play a crucial role for activation of aminergic GPCRs such as the α2-AR, highlighting its promising role as a partial agonist. Consistently, EA mimics clonidine in inhibiting noradrenaline exocytosis from hippocampal nerve endings in a yohimbine-sensitive fashion that confirms the engagement of naïve α2-ARs in the EA-mediated effect.
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27
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Brocos-Mosquera I, Gabilondo AM, Diez-Alarcia R, Muguruza C, Erdozain AM, Meana JJ, Callado LF. α 2A- and α 2C-adrenoceptor expression and functionality in postmortem prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia subjects. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 52:3-11. [PMID: 34237656 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous evidence suggests that α2-adrenoceptors (α2-AR) may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, postmortem brain studies on α2-AR expression and functionality in schizophrenia are scarce. The aim of our work was to evaluate α2A-AR and α2C-AR expression in different subcellular fractions of prefrontal cortex postmortem tissue from antipsychotic-free (absence of antipsychotics in blood at the time of death) (n = 12) and antipsychotic-treated (n = 12) subjects with schizophrenia, and matched controls (n = 24). Functional coupling of α2-AR to Gα proteins induced by the agonist UK14304 was also tested. Additionally, Gα protein expression was also evaluated. In antipsychotic-free schizophrenia subjects, α2A-AR and α2C-AR protein expression was similar to controls in all the subcellular fractions. Conversely, in antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia subjects, increased α2A-AR expression was found in synaptosomal plasma membrane and postsynaptic density (PSD) fractions (+60% and +79% vs controls, respectively) with no significant changes in α2C-AR. [35S]GTPγS SPA experiments showed a significant lower stimulation of Gαi2 and Gαi3 proteins by UK14304 in antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia subjects, whereas stimulation in antipsychotic-free schizophrenia subjects remained unchanged. Gαo protein stimulation was significantly decreased in both antipsychotic-free and antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia subjects compared to controls. Expression of Gαi3 protein did not differ between groups, whereas Gαi2 levels were increased in PSD of schizophrenia subjects, both antipsychotic-free and antipsychotic-treated. Gαo protein expression was increased in PSD of antipsychotic-treated subjects and in the presynaptic fraction of antipsychotic-free schizophrenia subjects. The present results suggest that antipsychotic treatment is able to modify in opposite directions both the protein expression and the functionality of α2A-AR in the cortex of schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Brocos-Mosquera
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Ane M Gabilondo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Carolina Muguruza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Amaia M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Luis F Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.
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28
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Stepniewski TM, Mancini A, Ågren R, Torrens-Fontanals M, Semache M, Bouvier M, Sahlholm K, Breton B, Selent J. Mechanistic insights into dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission - concerted interactions with helices 5 and 6 drive the functional outcome. Chem Sci 2021; 12:10990-11003. [PMID: 34522296 PMCID: PMC8386650 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00749a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain functions rely on neurotransmitters that mediate communication between billions of neurons. Disruption of this communication can result in a plethora of psychiatric and neurological disorders. In this work, we combine molecular dynamics simulations, live-cell biosensor and electrophysiological assays to investigate the action of the neurotransmitter dopamine at the dopaminergic D2 receptor (D2R). The study of dopamine and closely related chemical probes reveals how neurotransmitter binding translates into the activation of distinct subsets of D2R effectors (i.e.: Gi2, GoB, Gz and β-arrestin 2). Ligand interactions with key residues in TM5 (S5.42) and TM6 (H6.55) in the D2R binding pocket yield a dopamine-like coupling signature, whereas exclusive TM5 interaction is typically linked to preferential G protein coupling (in particular GoB) over β-arrestin. Further experiments for serotonin receptors indicate that the reported molecular mechanism is shared by other monoaminergic neurotransmitter receptors. Ultimately, our study highlights how sequence variation in position 6.55 is used by nature to fine-tune β-arrestin recruitment and in turn receptor signaling and internalization of neurotransmitter receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) - Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) Dr Aiguader 88 Barcelona E-08003 Spain
- InterAx Biotech AG, PARK InnovAARE 5234 Villigen Switzerland
| | - Arturo Mancini
- Domain Therapeutics NA Inc 7171 Frederick-Banting Saint-Laurent (QC) H4S 1Z9 Canada
| | - Richard Ågren
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden
| | - Mariona Torrens-Fontanals
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) - Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) Dr Aiguader 88 Barcelona E-08003 Spain
| | - Meriem Semache
- Domain Therapeutics NA Inc 7171 Frederick-Banting Saint-Laurent (QC) H4S 1Z9 Canada
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal Montreal QC H3C 3J7 Canada
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal Montréal Québec H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Kristoffer Sahlholm
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University 90187 Umeå Sweden
| | - Billy Breton
- Domain Therapeutics NA Inc 7171 Frederick-Banting Saint-Laurent (QC) H4S 1Z9 Canada
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal Montréal Québec H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Jana Selent
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) - Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) Dr Aiguader 88 Barcelona E-08003 Spain
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29
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Wu Y, Zeng L, Zhao S. Ligands of Adrenergic Receptors: A Structural Point of View. Biomolecules 2021; 11:936. [PMID: 34202543 PMCID: PMC8301793 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenergic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors for epinephrine and norepinephrine. They are targets of many drugs for various conditions, including treatment of hypertension, hypotension, and asthma. Adrenergic receptors are intensively studied in structural biology, displayed for binding poses of different types of ligands. Here, we summarized molecular mechanisms of ligand recognition and receptor activation exhibited by structure. We also reviewed recent advances in structure-based ligand discovery against adrenergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Liting Zeng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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30
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Schultz KJ, Colby SM, Lin VS, Wright AT, Renslow RS. Ligand- and Structure-Based Analysis of Deep Learning-Generated Potential α2a Adrenoceptor Agonists. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:481-492. [PMID: 33404240 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The α2a adrenoceptor is a medically relevant subtype of the G protein-coupled receptor family. Unfortunately, high-throughput techniques aimed at producing novel drug leads for this receptor have been largely unsuccessful because of the complex pharmacology of adrenergic receptors. As such, cutting-edge in silico ligand- and structure-based assessment and de novo deep learning methods are well positioned to provide new insights into protein-ligand interactions and potential active compounds. In this work, we (i) collect a dataset of α2a adrenoceptor agonists and provide it as a resource for the drug design community; (ii) use the dataset as a basis to generate candidate-active structures via deep learning; and (iii) apply computational ligand- and structure-based analysis techniques to gain new insights into α2a adrenoceptor agonists and assess the quality of the computer-generated compounds. We further describe how such assessment techniques can be applied to putative chemical probes with a case study involving proposed medetomidine-based probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Schultz
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Sean M Colby
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Vivian S Lin
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Aaron T Wright
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States.,The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, United States
| | - Ryan S Renslow
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States.,The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, United States
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31
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The Role of Adrenoceptors in the Retina. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122594. [PMID: 33287335 PMCID: PMC7761662 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is a part of the central nervous system, a thin multilayer with neuronal lamination, responsible for detecting, preprocessing, and sending visual information to the brain. Many retinal diseases are characterized by hemodynamic perturbations and neurodegeneration leading to vision loss and reduced quality of life. Since catecholamines and respective bindings sites have been characterized in the retina, we systematically reviewed the literature with regard to retinal expression, distribution and function of alpha1 (α1)-, alpha2 (α2)-, and beta (β)-adrenoceptors (ARs). Moreover, we discuss the role of the individual adrenoceptors as targets for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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32
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McMullan M, Kelly B, Mihigo HB, Keogh AP, Rodriguez F, Brocos-Mosquera I, García-Bea A, Miranda-Azpiazu P, Callado LF, Rozas I. Di-aryl guanidinium derivatives: Towards improved α2-Adrenergic affinity and antagonist activity. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112947. [PMID: 33139112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Compounds with excellent receptor engagement displaying α2-AR antagonist activity are useful not only for therapeutic purposes (e.g. antidepressants), but also to help in the crystallization of this particular GPCR. Therefore, based on our broad experience in the topic, we have prepared eighteen di-aryl (phenyl and/or pyridin-2-yl) mono- or di-substituted guanidines and 2-aminoimidazolines. The in vitro α2-AR binding affinity experiments in human brain tissue showed the advantage of a 2-aminoimidazolinium cation, a di-arylmethylene core, a conformationally locked pyridin-2-yl-guanidine and a di-substituted guanidinium to achieve good α2-AR engagement. After different in vitro [35S]GTPγS binding experiments in human prefrontal cortex tissue, it was possible to identify that compounds 7a, 7b and 7c were α2-AR partial agonist, whereas 8h was a potent α2-AR antagonist. Docking and MD studies with a model of α2A-AR and two crystal structures suggest that antagonism is achieved by compounds carrying a di-substituted guanidine which substituent occupy a pocket adjacent to TM5 without engaging S2005.42 or S2045.46, and a mono-substituted cationic group, which favorably interacts with E942.65.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela McMullan
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brendan Kelly
- Department of Computer Science, Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Department of Structural Biology, Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Helene B Mihigo
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Aaron P Keogh
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Fernando Rodriguez
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Iria Brocos-Mosquera
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Aintzane García-Bea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Luis F Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Isabel Rozas
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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33
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Tsentsevitsky A, Nurullin L, Tyapkina O, Bukharaeva E. Sympathomimetics regulate quantal acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions through various types of adrenoreceptors. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103550. [PMID: 32890729 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The studies of the interaction between the sympathetic and motor nervous systems are extremely relevant due to therapy for many neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders involving adrenergic compounds. Evidences indicate close contact between sympathetic varicosities and neuromuscular synapses. This raises questions about the effects of catecholamines on synaptic transmission. The currently available information is contradictory, and the types of adrenoreceptors responsible for modulation of neurotransmitter release have not been identified in mammalian neuromuscular synapses. Our results have shown that the α1A, α1B, α2A, α2B, α2C, and β1 adrenoreceptor subtypes are expressed in mouse diaphragm muscle containing neuromuscular synapses and sympathetic varicosities. Pharmacological stimulation of adrenoreceptors affects both spontaneous and evoked acetylcholine quantal secretion. Agonists of the α1, α2 and β1 adrenoreceptors decrease spontaneous release. Activation of the α2 and β1 adrenoreceptors reduces the number of acetylcholine quanta released in response to a nerve stimulus (quantal content), but an agonist of the β2 receptors increases quantal content. Activation of α2 and β2 adrenoreceptors alters the kinetics of acetylcholine quantal release by desynchronizing the neurosecretory process. Specific blockers of these receptors eliminate the effects of the specific agonists. The action of blockers on quantal acetylcholine secretion indicates possible action of endogenous catecholamines on neuromuscular transmission. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which clinically utilized adrenomimetics and adrenoblockers regulate synaptic vesicle release at the motor axon terminal will lead to the creation of improved and safer sympathomimetics for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases with synaptic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Tsentsevitsky
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, PB 30, Kazan 420111, Russia
| | - Leniz Nurullin
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, PB 30, Kazan 420111, Russia
| | - Oksana Tyapkina
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, PB 30, Kazan 420111, Russia
| | - Ellya Bukharaeva
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, PB 30, Kazan 420111, Russia.
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