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González AM, Jubete AG. Dualism, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling of opioid receptors: Future therapeutic potential. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ANESTESIOLOGIA Y REANIMACION 2024; 71:298-303. [PMID: 37683976 DOI: 10.1016/j.redare.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are still the drugs of choice for the treatment of acute post-surgical pain and chronic cancer pain. Overprescribing of these drugs has given rise to an "opioid crisis" in some countries. In this context, attention has been drawn to the therapeutic potential of various ligands that act as allosteric modulators of orthosteric binding sites and modulate the drug's activity, affinity, potency, and even efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M González
- Service of Anesthesiology, Universitary Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - A G Jubete
- Service of Anesthesiology, Universitary Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
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2
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Li Y, Eans SO, Ganno-Sherwood M, Eliasof A, Houghten RA, McLaughlin JP. Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of a Low-Liability Antinociceptive Bifunctional MOR/DOR Cyclic Peptide. Molecules 2023; 28:7548. [PMID: 38005269 PMCID: PMC10674865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based opioid ligands are important candidates for the development of novel, safer, and more effective analgesics to treat pain. To develop peptide-based safer analgesics, we synthesized a mixture-based cyclic pentapeptide library containing a total of 24,624 pentapeptides and screened the mixture-based library samples using a 55 °C warm water tail-withdrawal assay. Using this phenotypic screening approach, we deconvoluted the mixture-based samples to identify a novel cyclic peptide Tyr-[D-Lys-Dap(Ant)-Thr-Gly] (CycloAnt), which produced dose- and time-dependent antinociception with an ED50 (and 95% confidence interval) of 0.70 (0.52-0.97) mg/kg i.p. mediated by the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Additionally, higher doses (≥3 mg/kg, i.p.) of CycloAnt antagonized delta-opioid receptors (DOR) for at least 3 h. Pharmacological characterization of CycloAnt showed the cyclic peptide did not reduce breathing rate in mice at doses up to 15 times the analgesic ED50 value, and produced dramatically less hyperlocomotion than the MOR agonist, morphine. While chronic administration of CycloAnt resulted in antinociceptive tolerance, it was without opioid-induced hyperalgesia and with significantly reduced signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, which suggested reduced physical dependence compared to morphine. Collectively, the results suggest this dual MOR/DOR multifunctional ligand is an excellent lead for the development of peptide-based safer analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmei Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Shainnel O. Eans
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Michelle Ganno-Sherwood
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA; (M.G.-S.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Abbe Eliasof
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Richard A. Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA; (M.G.-S.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Jay P. McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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3
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Qian M, Sun Z, Chen X, Van Calenbergh S. Study of G protein-coupled receptors dimerization: From bivalent ligands to drug-like small molecules. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106809. [PMID: 37651896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106809] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In the past decades an increasing number of studies revealed that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are capable of forming dimers or even higher-ordered oligomers, which may modulate receptor function and act as potential drug targets. In this review, we briefly summarized the design strategy of bivalent GPCR ligands and mainly focused on how to use them to study and/or detect GPCP dimerization in vitro and in vivo. Bivalent ligands show specific properties relative to their corresponding monomeric ligands because they are able to bind to GPCR homodimers or heterodimers simultaneously. For example, bivalent ligands with optimal length of spacers often exhibited higher binding affinities for dimers compared to that of monomers. Furthermore, bivalent ligands displayed specific signal transduction compared to monovalent ligands. Finally, we give our perspective on targeting GPCR dimers from traditional bivalent ligands to more drug-like small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcheng Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China; Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Zhengyang Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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4
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Scherrer KH, Eans SO, Medina JM, Senadheera SN, Khaliq T, Murray TF, McLaughlin JP, Aldrich JV. Tryptophan Substitution in CJ-15,208 ( cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-Trp]) Introduces δ-Opioid Receptor Antagonism, Preventing Antinociceptive Tolerance and Stress-Induced Reinstatement of Extinguished Cocaine-Conditioned Place Preference. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1218. [PMID: 37765026 PMCID: PMC10535824 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091218] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The macrocyclic tetrapeptide CJ-15,208 (cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-Trp]) and its D-Trp isomer exhibit kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonism which prevents stress-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-conditioned place preference. Here, we evaluated the effects of substitution of Trp and D-Trp on the peptides' opioid activity, antinociceptive tolerance, and the ability to prevent relapse to extinguished drug-CPP. Six analogs were synthesized using a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclization in solution. The analogs were evaluated in vitro for opioid receptor affinity in radioligand competition binding assays, efficacy in the [35S]GTPγS assay, metabolic stability in mouse liver microsomes, and for opioid activity and selectivity in vivo in the mouse 55 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Potential liabilities of locomotor impairment, respiratory depression, acute tolerance, and conditioned place preference (CPP) were also assessed in vivo, and the ameliorating effect of analogs on the reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-place preference was assessed. Substitutions of other D-amino acids for D-Trp did not affect (or in one case increased) KOR affinity, while two of the three substitutions of an L-amino acid for Trp decreased KOR affinity. In contrast, all but one substitution increased mu opioid receptor (MOR) affinity in vitro. The metabolic stabilities of the analogs were similar to those of their respective parent peptides, with analogs containing a D-amino acid being much more rapidly metabolized than those containing an L-amino acid in this position. In vivo, CJ-15,208 analogs demonstrated antinociception, although potencies varied over an 80-fold range and the mediating opioid receptors differed by substitution. KOR antagonism was lost for all but the D-benzothienylalanine analog, and the 2'-naphthylalanine analog instead demonstrated significant delta opioid receptor (DOR) antagonism. Introduction of DOR antagonism coincided with reduced acute opioid antinociceptive tolerance and prevented stress-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H. Scherrer
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (K.H.S.); (S.O.E.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Shainnel O. Eans
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (K.H.S.); (S.O.E.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Jessica M. Medina
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (K.H.S.); (S.O.E.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Sanjeewa N. Senadheera
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.N.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Tanvir Khaliq
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.N.S.); (T.K.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Thomas F. Murray
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
| | - Jay P. McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (K.H.S.); (S.O.E.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Jane V. Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.N.S.); (T.K.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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5
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Gaborit M, Massotte D. Therapeutic potential of opioid receptor heteromers in chronic pain and associated comorbidities. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:994-1013. [PMID: 34883528 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain affects 20% to 45% of the global population and is often associated with the development of anxio-depressive disorders. Treatment of this debilitating condition remains particularly challenging with opioids prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain. However, despite strong antinociceptive properties, numerous adverse effects limit opioid use in the clinic. Moreover, opioid misuse and abuse have become a major health concern worldwide. This prompted efforts to design original strategies that would efficiently and safely relieve pain. Targeting of opioid receptor heteromers is one of these. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of heteromers involving opioid receptors in the context of chronic pain and anxio-depressive comorbidities. It also examines how heteromerization in native tissue affects ligand binding, receptor signalling and trafficking properties. Finally, the therapeutic potential of ligands designed to specifically target opioid receptor heteromers is considered. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Gaborit
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Massotte
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
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Varga B, Streicher JM, Majumdar S. Strategies towards safer opioid analgesics-A review of old and upcoming targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:975-993. [PMID: 34826881 PMCID: PMC9133275 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids continue to be of use for the treatment of pain. Most clinically used analgesics target the μ opioid receptor whose activation results in adverse effects like respiratory depression, addiction and abuse liability. Various approaches have been used by the field to separate receptor-mediated analgesic actions from adverse effects. These include biased agonism, opioids targeting multiple receptors, allosteric modulators, heteromers and splice variants of the μ receptor. This review will focus on the current status of the field and some upcoming targets of interest that may lead to a safer next generation of analgesics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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7
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Caniceiro AB, Bueschbell B, Schiedel AC, Moreira IS. Class A and C GPCR Dimers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2081-2141. [PMID: 35339177 PMCID: PMC9886835 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220327221830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect over 30 million people worldwide with an ascending trend. Most individuals suffering from these irreversible brain damages belong to the elderly population, with onset between 50 and 60 years. Although the pathophysiology of such diseases is partially known, it remains unclear upon which point a disease turns degenerative. Moreover, current therapeutics can treat some of the symptoms but often have severe side effects and become less effective in long-term treatment. For many neurodegenerative diseases, the involvement of G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), which are key players of neuronal transmission and plasticity, has become clearer and holds great promise in elucidating their biological mechanism. With this review, we introduce and summarize class A and class C GPCRs, known to form heterodimers or oligomers to increase their signalling repertoire. Additionally, the examples discussed here were shown to display relevant alterations in brain signalling and had already been associated with the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we classified the heterodimers into two categories of crosstalk, positive or negative, for which there is known evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Caniceiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Beatriz Bueschbell
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; ,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Address correspondence to this author at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; E-mail:
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8
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Drakopoulos A, Moianos D, Prifti GM, Zoidis G, Decker M. Opioid ligands addressing unconventional binding sites and more than one opioid receptor subtype. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200169. [PMID: 35560796 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors (ORs) represent one of the most significant groups of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) drug targets and also act as prototypical models for GPCR function. In a constant effort to develop drugs with less side effects, and tools to explore the ORs nature and function, various (poly)pharmacological ligand design approaches have been performed. That is, besides classical ligands, a great number of bivalent ligands (i.e. aiming on two distinct OR subtypes), univalent heteromer-selective ligands and bitopic and allosteric ligands have been synthesized for the ORs. The scope of our review is to present the most important of the aforementioned ligands, highlight their properties and exhibit the current state-of-the-art pallet of promising drug candidates or useful molecular tools for the ORs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Drakopoulos
- University of Gothenburg: Goteborgs Universitet, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Kemigåden 4, 431 45, Göteborg, SWEDEN
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon, Department of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon, Department of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Panepistimioupolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Michael Decker
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg: Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, GERMANY
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Griffith JI, Kim M, Bruce DJ, Peterson CD, Kitto KF, Mohammad AS, Rathi S, Fairbanks CA, Wilcox GL, Elmquist WF. Central Nervous System Distribution of an Opioid Agonist Combination with Synergistic Activity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 380:34-46. [PMID: 34663676 PMCID: PMC8969136 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel combinations of specific opioid agonists like loperamide and oxymorphindole targeting the µ- and δ-opioid receptors, respectively, have shown increased potency with minimized opioid-associated risks. However, whether their interaction is pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic in nature has not been determined. This study quantitatively determined whether these drugs have a pharmacokinetic interaction that alters systemic disposition or central nervous system (CNS) distribution. We performed intravenous and oral in vivo pharmacokinetic assessments of both drugs after discrete dosing and administration in combination to determine whether the combination had any effect on systemic pharmacokinetic parameters or CNS exposure. Drugs were administered at 5 or 10 mg/kg i.v. or 30 mg/kg orally to institute for cancer research (ICR) mice and 5 mg/kg i.v. to Friend leukemia virus strain B mice of the following genotypes: wild-type, breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp-/- ) (Bcrp knockout), Mdr1a/b-/- [P-glycoprotein (P-gp) knockout], and Bcrp-/- Mdr1a/b-/- (triple knockout). In the combination, clearance of oxymorphindole (OMI) was reduced by approximately half, and the plasma area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) increased. Consequently, brain and spinal cord AUCs for OMI in the combination also increased proportionately. Both loperamide and OMI are P-gp substrates, but administration of the two drugs in combination does not alter efflux transport at the CNS barriers. Because OMI alone shows appreciable brain penetration but little therapeutic efficacy on its own, and because loperamide's CNS distribution is unchanged in the combination, the mechanism of action for the increased potency of the combination is most likely pharmacodynamic and most likely occurs at receptors in the peripheral nervous system. This combination has favorable characteristics for future development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Opioids have yet to be replaced as the most effective treatments for moderate-to-severe pain and chronic pain, but their side effects are dangerous. Combinations of opioids with peripheral activity, such as loperamide and oxymorphindole, would be valuable in that they are effective at much lower doses and have reduced risks for dangerous side effects because the µ-opioid receptor agonist is largely excluded from the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I Griffith
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Minjee Kim
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J Bruce
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Cristina D Peterson
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kelley F Kitto
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Afroz S Mohammad
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sneha Rathi
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Carolyn A Fairbanks
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - George L Wilcox
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - William F Elmquist
- Brain Barriers Research Center (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmaceutics (J.I.G., M.K., A.S.M., S.R., C.A.F., W.F.E.), Department of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.), Department of Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., C.A.F., G.L.W.), and Department of Dermatology (G.L.W.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Elmquist Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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10
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Keresztes A, Olson K, Nguyen P, Lopez-Pier MA, Hecksel R, Barker NK, Liu Z, Hruby V, Konhilas J, Langlais PR, Streicher JM. Antagonism of the mu-delta opioid receptor heterodimer enhances opioid antinociception by activating Src and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II signaling. Pain 2022; 163:146-158. [PMID: 34252907 PMCID: PMC8688156 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The opioid receptors are important regulators of pain, reward, and addiction. Limited evidence suggests the mu and delta opioid receptors form a heterodimer (MDOR), which may act as a negative feedback brake on opioid-induced analgesia. However, evidence for the MDOR in vivo is indirect and limited, and there are few selective tools available. We recently published the first MDOR-selective antagonist, D24M, allowing us to test the role of the MDOR in mice. We thus cotreated CD-1 mice with D24M and opioids in tail flick, paw incision, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy pain models. D24M treatment enhanced oxymorphone antinociception in all models by 54.7% to 628%. This enhancement could not be replicated with the mu and delta selective antagonists CTAP, naltrindole, and naloxonazine, and D24M had a mild transient effect in the rotarod test, suggesting this increase is selective to the MDOR. However, D24M had no effect on morphine or buprenorphine, suggesting that only specific opioids interact with the MDOR. To find a mechanism, we performed phosphoproteomic analysis on brainstems of mice. We found that the kinases Src and CaMKII were repressed by oxymorphone, which was restored by D24M. We were able to confirm the role of Src and CaMKII in D24M-enhanced antinociception using small molecule inhibitors (KN93 and Src-I1). Together, these results provide direct in vivo evidence that the MDOR acts as an opioid negative feedback brake, which occurs through the repression of Src and CaMKII signal transduction. These results further suggest that MDOR antagonism could be a means to improve clinical opioid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Keresztes
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - Keith Olson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - Paul Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | | | - Ryan Hecksel
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - Natalie K. Barker
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - Zekun Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - Victor Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - John Konhilas
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - Paul R. Langlais
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ USA
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11
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Fujita W. Aiming at Ideal Therapeutics-MOPr/DOPr or MOPr-DOPr Heteromertargeting Ligand. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2843-2851. [PMID: 32324516 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200423095231] [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: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The recent alarming reports related to "opioid crisis" necessitate the development of safer and effective analgesics without unwanted side effects. Thus, there needs to be an alternative target or strategy for the development of drugs for the treatment of opioid use/abuse. As one of the novel targets, in these two decades, ligands targeting opioid receptor "heteromerization" including mu-opioid receptor (MOPr)-delta opioid receptor (DOPr) heteromer have been proposed and the pharmacological advancement of reduced side effects has been broadly accepted and well recognized. In this review, some of the ligands targeting both MOPr and DOPr or MOPr-DOPr heteromers are introduced especially focusing on their pharmacological effects in vivo. CONCLUSION It has been found that most of those ligands possess potent antinociceptive activity (as much as or higher than that of morphine) with reduced side effects such as tolerance. In addition, some of them are also able to reduce or prevent physiological withdrawal symptoms observed under chronic opioid use. Importantly, there are an increasing number of evidence that show changes in heteromer expression in various pathological animal models and these strongly argue for targeting heteromers for the development of the next generation of pain medication in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Fujita
- Department of Frontier Life Science, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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12
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Weiss N, Zamponi GW. Opioid Receptor Regulation of Neuronal Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:839-847. [PMID: 32514826 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00894-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels play a pivotal role in the conversion of electrical signals into calcium entry into nerve endings that is required for the release of neurotransmitters. They are under the control of a number of cellular signaling pathways that serve to fine tune synaptic activities, including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the opioid system. Besides modulating channel activity via activation of second messengers, GPCRs also physically associate with calcium channels to regulate their function and expression at the plasma membrane. In this mini review, we discuss the mechanisms by which calcium channels are regulated by classical opioid and nociceptin receptors. We highlight the importance of this regulation in the control of neuronal functions and their implication in the development of disease conditions. Finally, we present recent literature concerning the use of novel μ-opioid receptor/nociceptin receptor modulators and discuss their use as potential drug candidates for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Weiss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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13
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Akgün E, Lunzer MM, Tian D, Ansonoff M, Pintar J, Bruce D, Hawkinson JE, Wilcox GL, Portoghese PS. FBNTI, a DOR-Selective Antagonist That Allosterically Activates MOR within a MOR-DOR Heteromer. Biochemistry 2020; 60:1413-1419. [PMID: 32930576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This report describes the unique pharmacological profile of FBNTI, a potent DOR antagonist that acts as a MOR agonist via an allosteric mechanism. Binding of FBNTI to opioid receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells revealed a 190-fold greater affinity for DOR (Ki = 0.84 nM) over MOR (Ki = 160 nM). In mice, intrathecal FBNTI produced potent antinociception (ED50 = 46.9 pmol/mouse), which was antagonized by selective MOR antagonists (CTOP, β-FNA). Autoantagonism of the MOR agonism by FBNTI was observed above the ED75 dose, suggesting antagonism of activated MOR. That FBNTI is devoid of agonism in DOR knockout mice is consistent with allosteric activation of the MOR protomer via FBNTI bound to within a MOR-DOR heteromer. This proposed mechanism is supported by calcium mobilization assays, which indicate that FBNTI selectively activates the MOR-DOR heteromer and functionally antagonizes the MOR protomer at >ED75. The unprecedented mode of MOR activation by FBNTI may be responsible for the lack of tolerance after intrathecal (i.t.) administration. FBNTI was highly effective upon topical administration to the ipsolateral hind paw in the Hargreaves assay (EC50 = 0.17 ± 0.08 μM) and without significant contralateral activity, suggesting a lack of systemic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyup Akgün
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mary M Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Defeng Tian
- University of Minnesota Institute for Therapeutics Discovery & Development (ITDD), 717 Delaware Street SE Room 519E, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - Michael Ansonoff
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - John Pintar
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Daniel Bruce
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jon E Hawkinson
- University of Minnesota Institute for Therapeutics Discovery & Development (ITDD), 717 Delaware Street SE Room 519E, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - George L Wilcox
- Departments of Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Dermatology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Philip S Portoghese
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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14
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Brice-Tutt AC, Senadheera SN, Ganno ML, Eans SO, Khaliq T, Murray TF, McLaughlin JP, Aldrich JV. Phenylalanine Stereoisomers of CJ-15,208 and [d-Trp]CJ-15,208 Exhibit Distinctly Different Opioid Activity Profiles. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173999. [PMID: 32887303 PMCID: PMC7504817 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The macrocyclic tetrapeptide cyclo[Phe-d-Pro-Phe-Trp] (CJ-15,208) and its stereoisomer cyclo[Phe-d-Pro-Phe-d-Trp] exhibit different opioid activity profiles in vivo. The present study evaluated the influence of the Phe residues’ stereochemistry on the peptides’ opioid activity. Five stereoisomers were synthesized by a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclization in solution. The analogs were evaluated in vitro for opioid receptor affinity in radioligand competition binding assays, and for opioid activity and selectivity in vivo in the mouse 55 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Potential liabilities of locomotor impairment, respiratory depression, acute tolerance development, and place conditioning were also assessed in vivo. All of the stereoisomers exhibited antinociception following either intracerebroventricular or oral administration differentially mediated by multiple opioid receptors, with kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activity contributing for all of the peptides. However, unlike the parent peptides, KOR antagonism was exhibited by only one stereoisomer, while another isomer produced DOR antagonism. The stereoisomers of CJ-15,208 lacked significant respiratory effects, while the [d-Trp]CJ-15,208 stereoisomers did not elicit antinociceptive tolerance. Two isomers, cyclo[d-Phe-d-Pro-d-Phe-Trp] (3) and cyclo[Phe-d-Pro-d-Phe-d-Trp] (5), did not elicit either preference or aversion in a conditioned place preference assay. Collectively, these stereoisomers represent new lead compounds for further investigation in the development of safer opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana C. Brice-Tutt
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (A.C.B.-T.); (S.O.E.)
| | | | - Michelle L. Ganno
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA;
| | - Shainnel O. Eans
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (A.C.B.-T.); (S.O.E.)
| | - Tanvir Khaliq
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Thomas F. Murray
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
| | - Jay P. McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (A.C.B.-T.); (S.O.E.)
- Correspondence: (J.P.M.); (J.V.A.); Tel.: +1-352-273-7207 (J.P.M.); +1-352-273-8708 (J.V.A.)
| | - Jane V. Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Correspondence: (J.P.M.); (J.V.A.); Tel.: +1-352-273-7207 (J.P.M.); +1-352-273-8708 (J.V.A.)
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15
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Nastase AF, Anand JP, Bender AM, Montgomery D, Griggs NW, Fernandez TJ, Jutkiewicz EM, Traynor JR, Mosberg HI. Dual Pharmacophores Explored via Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Matrix: Insights into Potent, Bifunctional Opioid Ligand Design. J Med Chem 2019; 62:4193-4203. [PMID: 30916966 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Short-acting μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists have long been used for the treatment of severe, breakthrough pain. However, selective MOR agonists including fentanyl and morphine derivatives are limited clinically due to high risks of dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression. We recently reported the development of a long-acting, bifunctional MOR agonist/δ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist analgesic devoid of tolerance or dependence in mice (AAH8, henceforth referred to as 2B). To address the need for short-acting treatments for breakthrough pain, we present a series of novel, short-acting, high-potency MOR agonist/DOR antagonist ligands with antinociceptive activity in vivo. In this study, we utilized a two-dimensional structure-activity relationship matrix to identify pharmacological trends attributable to combinations of two key pharmacophore elements within the chemotype. This work enhances our ability to modulate efficacy at MOR and DOR, accessing a variety of bifunctional profiles while maintaining high affinity and potency at both receptors.
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16
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Untangling the complexity of opioid receptor function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:2514-2520. [PMID: 30250308 PMCID: PMC6224460 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0225-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mu opioid receptor agonists are among the most powerful analgesic medications but also among the most addictive. The current opioid crisis has energized a quest to develop opioid analgesics that are devoid of untoward effects. Since their discovery in the 1970's, there have been major advances in our understanding of the endogenous opioid systems that these drugs target. Yet many questions remain and the development of non-addictive opioid analgesics has not been achieved. However, access to new molecular, genetic and computational tools have begun to elucidate the structural dynamics of opioid receptors, the scaffolding that links them to intracellular signaling cascades, their cellular trafficking and the distinct ways that various opioid drugs modify them. This mini-review highlights some of the chemical and pharmacological findings and new perspectives that have arisen from studies using these tools. They reveal multiple layers of complexity of opioid receptor function, including a spatiotemporal specificity in opioid receptor-induced cellular signaling, ligand-directed biased signaling, allosteric modulation of ligand interactions, heterodimerization of different opioid receptors, and the existence of slice variants with different ligand specificity. By untangling these layers, basic research into the chemistry and pharmacology of opioid receptors is guiding the way towards deciphering the mysteries of tolerance and physical dependence that have plagued the field and is providing a platform for the development of more effective and safer opioids.
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17
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Machelska H, Celik MÖ. Advances in Achieving Opioid Analgesia Without Side Effects. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1388. [PMID: 30555325 PMCID: PMC6282113 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the most effective drugs for the treatment of severe pain, but they also cause addiction and overdose deaths, which have led to a worldwide opioid crisis. Therefore, the development of safer opioids is urgently needed. In this article, we provide a critical overview of emerging opioid-based strategies aimed at effective pain relief and improved side effect profiles. These approaches comprise biased agonism, the targeting of (i) opioid receptors in peripheral inflamed tissue (by reducing agonist access to the brain, the use of nanocarriers, or low pH-sensitive agonists); (ii) heteromers or multiple receptors (by monovalent, bivalent, and multifunctional ligands); (iii) receptor splice variants; and (iv) endogenous opioid peptides (by preventing their degradation or enhancing their production by gene transfer). Substantial advancements are underscored by pharmaceutical development of new opioids such as peripheral κ-receptor agonists, and by treatments augmenting the action of endogenous opioids, which have entered clinical trials. Additionally, there are several promising novel opioids comprehensively examined in preclinical studies, but also strategies such as biased agonism, which might require careful rethinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Machelska
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melih Ö Celik
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Ugur M, Derouiche L, Massotte D. Heteromerization Modulates mu Opioid Receptor Functional Properties in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1240. [PMID: 30483121 PMCID: PMC6244869 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mu opioid receptors modulate a large number of physiological functions. They are in particular involved in the control of pain perception and reward properties. They are also the primary molecular target of opioid drugs and mediate their beneficial analgesic effects, euphoric properties as well as negative side effects such as tolerance and physical dependence. Importantly, mu opioid receptors can physically associate with another receptor to form a novel entity called heteromer that exhibits specific ligand binding, signaling, and trafficking properties. As reviewed here, in vivo physical proximity has now been evidenced for several receptor pairs, subsequent impact of heteromerization on native mu opioid receptor signaling and trafficking identified and a link to behavioral changes established. Selective targeting of heteromers as a tool to modulate mu opioid receptor activity is therefore attracting growing interest and raises hopes for innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzeyyen Ugur
- Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lyes Derouiche
- Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Massotte
- Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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19
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Nastase AF, Griggs NW, Anand JP, Fernandez TJ, Harland AA, Trask TJ, Jutkiewicz EM, Traynor JR, Mosberg HI. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel C-8 Substituted Tetrahydroquinolines as Balanced-Affinity Mu/Delta Opioid Ligands for the Treatment of Pain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1840-1848. [PMID: 29677442 PMCID: PMC9976708 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of opioids for the treatment of pain, while largely effective, is limited by detrimental side effects including analgesic tolerance, physical dependence, and euphoria, which may lead to opioid abuse. Studies have shown that compounds with a μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist/δ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist profile reduce or eliminate some of these side effects including the development of tolerance and dependence. Herein we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of tetrahydroquinoline-based peptidomimetics with substitutions at the C-8 position. Relative to our lead peptidomimetic with no C-8 substitution, this series affords an increase in DOR affinity and provides greater balance in MOR and DOR binding affinities. Moreover, compounds with carbonyl moieties at C-8 display the desired MOR agonist/DOR antagonist profile whereas alkyl substitutions elicit modest DOR agonism. Several compounds in this series produce a robust antinociceptive effect in vivo and show antinociceptive activity for greater than 2 h after intraperitoneal administration in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony F. Nastase
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Interdepartmental Program in Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nicholas W. Griggs
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jessica P. Anand
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Thomas J. Fernandez
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Aubrie A. Harland
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Interdepartmental Program in Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tyler J. Trask
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Emily M. Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Henry I. Mosberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Interdepartmental Program in Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Michigan 48109, United States,Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Corresponding Author Phone: 734-764-8117. Fax: 734-763-5595.
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20
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Olson KM, Keresztes A, Tashiro JK, Daconta LV, Hruby VJ, Streicher JM. Synthesis and Evaluation of a Novel Bivalent Selective Antagonist for the Mu-Delta Opioid Receptor Heterodimer that Reduces Morphine Withdrawal in Mice. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6075-6086. [PMID: 29939746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A major limitation in the study of the mu-delta opioid receptor heterodimer (MDOR) is that few selective pharmacological tools exist and no heteromer-selective antagonists. We thus designed a series of variable-length (15-41 atoms) bivalent linked peptides with selective but moderate/low-affinity pharmacophores for the mu and delta opioid receptors. We observed a U-shaped MDOR potency/affinity profile in vitro, with the 24-atom spacer length (D24M) producing the highest MDOR potency/affinity (<1 nM) and selectivity (≥89-fold). We further evaluated D24M in mice and observed that D24M dose-dependently antagonized tail flick antinociception produced by the MDOR agonists CYM51010 and Deltorphin-II, without antagonizing the monomer agonists DAMGO and DSLET. We also observed that D24M sharply reduced withdrawal behavior in models of acute and chronic morphine dependence. These findings suggest that D24M is a first-in-class high-potency MDOR-selective antagonist both in vitro and in vivo.
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21
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Anand JP, Kochan KE, Nastase AF, Montgomery D, Griggs NW, Traynor JR, Mosberg HI, Jutkiewicz EM. In vivo effects of μ-opioid receptor agonist/δ-opioid receptor antagonist peptidomimetics following acute and repeated administration. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2013-2027. [PMID: 29352503 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Agonists at μ-opioid receptors (μ-receptors) are used for pain management but produce adverse effects including tolerance, dependence and euphoria. The co-administration of a μ-receptor agonist with a δ-opioid receptor (δ-receptor) antagonist has been shown to produce antinociception with reduced development of some side effects. We characterized the effects of three μ-receptor agonist/δ-receptor antagonist peptidomimetics in vivo after acute and repeated administration to determine if this profile provides a viable alternative to traditional opioid analgesics. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Three μ-receptor agonist / δ-receptor antagonist peptidomimetics, AAH8, AMB46 and AMB47, and morphine were evaluated for the development of tolerance and dependence after 5 days of twice daily treatment with escalating doses of drug (10-50 mg·kg-1 ). Antinociceptive effects were measured in the warm water tail withdrawal assay before and after repeated drug treatment. Physical dependence was evaluated by naltrexone-precipitated withdrawal jumping. The rewarding effects of AAH8 were evaluated using a conditioned place preference (CPP) assay with twice daily conditioning sessions performed for 5 days. KEY RESULTS Morphine, AAH8, AMB47 and AMB46 all demonstrated acute antinociceptive effects, but repeated administration only produced tolerance in animals treated with morphine and AMB46. Injection of naltrexone precipitated fewer jumps in mice treated repeatedly with AAH8 as compared with morphine, AMB47 or AMB46. Conditioning with morphine, but not AAH8, produced significant CPP. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS AAH8 may be a better alternative than traditional opioid analgesics, producing antinociception with less development of tolerance and dependence and may be less rewarding than morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P Anand
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelsey E Kochan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anthony F Nastase
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Deanna Montgomery
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas W Griggs
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John R Traynor
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Henry I Mosberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily M Jutkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Qian M, Vasudevan L, Huysentruyt J, Risseeuw MDP, Stove C, Vanderheyden PML, Van Craenenbroeck K, Van Calenbergh S. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Bivalent Ligands Targeting Dopamine D 2 -Like Receptors and the μ-Opioid Receptor. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:944-956. [PMID: 29451744 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is mounting evidence that intermolecular receptor-receptor interactions may result in altered receptor recognition, pharmacology and signaling. Heterobivalent ligands have been proven useful as molecular probes for confirming and targeting heteromeric receptors. This report describes the design and synthesis of novel heterobivalent ligands for dopamine D2 -like receptors (D2 -likeR) and the μ-opioid receptor (μOR) and their evaluation using ligand binding and functional assays. Interestingly, we identified a potent bivalent ligand that contains a short 18-atom linker and combines good potency with high efficacy both in β-arrestin 2 recruitment for μOR and MAPK-P for D4 R. Furthermore, this compound was characterized by a biphasic competition binding curve for the D4 R-μOR heterodimer, indicative of a bivalent binding mode. As this compound possibly bridges the D4 R-μOR heterodimer, it could be used as a pharmacological tool to further investigate the interactions of D4 R and μOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcheng Qian
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lakshmi Vasudevan
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle Huysentruyt
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martijn D P Risseeuw
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick M L Vanderheyden
- Department Research Group of Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB-MBFA, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Abstract
Opioids are the most effective drugs for the treatment of severe pain, but they also cause addiction and overdose deaths, which have led to a worldwide opioid crisis. Therefore, the development of safer opioids is urgently needed. In this article, we provide a critical overview of emerging opioid-based strategies aimed at effective pain relief and improved side effect profiles. These approaches comprise biased agonism, the targeting of (i) opioid receptors in peripheral inflamed tissue (by reducing agonist access to the brain, the use of nanocarriers, or low pH-sensitive agonists); (ii) heteromers or multiple receptors (by monovalent, bivalent, and multifunctional ligands); (iii) receptor splice variants; and (iv) endogenous opioid peptides (by preventing their degradation or enhancing their production by gene transfer). Substantial advancements are underscored by pharmaceutical development of new opioids such as peripheral κ-receptor agonists, and by treatments augmenting the action of endogenous opioids, which have entered clinical trials. Additionally, there are several promising novel opioids comprehensively examined in preclinical studies, but also strategies such as biased agonism, which might require careful rethinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Machelska
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melih Ö Celik
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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24
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Wang L, Yuan Y, Chen X, Chen J, Guo Y, Li M, Li C, Pu X. Probing the cooperative mechanism of the μ–δ opioid receptor heterodimer by multiscale simulation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:29969-29982. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cp06652c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The activation-cooperativity of the μ–δ opioid receptor heterodimer was probed by multiscale simulation coupled with a protein structure network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longrong Wang
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Management
- Southwest University for Nationalities
- Chengdu 610041
- P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangfan Chen
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhi Guo
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- People's Republic of China
| | - Menglong Li
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Li
- College of Computer Science
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- P. R. China
| | - Xuemei Pu
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- People's Republic of China
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25
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Abstract
Opioid receptors are the sites of action for morphine and most other clinically used opioid drugs. Abundant evidence now demonstrates that different opioid receptor types can physically associate to form heteromers. Owing to their constituent monomers' involvement in analgesia, mu/delta opioid receptor (M/DOR) heteromers have been a particular focus of attention. Understandings of the physiological relevance and indisputable proof of M/DOR formation in vivo are still evolving. This aspect of the field has been slow to progress in large part by the limitations of most available experimental models; recently however, promising progress is being made. As a result, the long-repeated promise of opioid receptor heteromers as selective therapeutic targets is now being realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Edmund Ong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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26
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Abstract
The opioid receptor system plays a major role in the regulation of mood, reward, and pain. The opioid receptors therefore make attractive targets for the treatment of many different conditions, including pain, depression, and addiction. However, stimulation or blockade of any one opioid receptor type often leads to on-target adverse effects that limit the clinical utility of a selective opioid agonist or antagonist. Literature precedent suggests that the opioid receptors do not act in isolation and that interactions among the opioid receptors and between the opioid receptors and other proteins may produce clinically useful targets. Multifunctional ligands have the potential to elicit desired outcomes with reduced adverse effects by allowing for the activation of specific receptor conformations and/or signaling pathways promoted as a result of receptor oligomerization or crosstalk. In this chapter, we describe several classes of multifunctional ligands that interact with at least one opioid receptor. These ligands have been designed for biochemical exploration and the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including multiple kinds of pain, depression, anxiety, addiction, and gastrointestinal disorders. The structures, pharmacological utility, and therapeutic drawbacks of these classes of ligands are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P Anand
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School and the Edward F. Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Deanna Montgomery
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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27
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Abstract
Acute and chronic pain complaints, although common, are generally poorly served by existing therapies. This unmet clinical need reflects a failure to develop novel classes of analgesics with superior efficacy, diminished adverse effects and a lower abuse liability than those currently available. Reasons for this include the heterogeneity of clinical pain conditions, the complexity and diversity of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and the unreliability of some preclinical pain models. However, recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of pain are beginning to offer opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies and revisiting existing targets, including modulating ion channels, enzymes and G-protein-coupled receptors.
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28
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Gomes I, Sierra S, Devi LA. Detection of Receptor Heteromerization Using In Situ Proximity Ligation Assay. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 75:2.16.1-2.16.31. [PMID: 27960030 PMCID: PMC5758307 DOI: 10.1002/cpph.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromerization has been extensively demonstrated in vitro using heterologous cells that overexpress epitope-tagged receptors, their presence in endogenous systems is less well established. This is because a criterion to identify receptor heteromerization is the demonstration that the two interacting receptors are present not only in the same cell but also in the same subcellular compartment in close enough proximity to allow for direct receptor-receptor interaction. This has been difficult to study in native tissues due to a lack of sensitive and selective tools not only capable of detecting low-abundance proteins but also of demonstrating that they are in sufficiently close proximity to interact. The latter can be achieved using a proximity ligation assay (PLA). Detailed in this unit are protocols for demonstrating the presence of GPCR heteromers in endogenous cells as well as animal and human tissues, the controls required for these assays, and troubleshooting tips. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Salvador Sierra
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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29
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The behavioral effects of a mixed efficacy antinociceptive peptide, VRP26, following chronic administration in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2479-87. [PMID: 27117141 PMCID: PMC5068912 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4296-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE VRP26 displays mu opioid receptor agonist and delta opioid receptor antagonist activity in vitro, a pharmacological profile purported to produce reduced tolerance, dependence, and rewarding effects. We hypothesized that VRP26 would display reduced adverse effects after chronic administration as compared with the traditional opioid analgesic fentanyl. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore the development of tolerance, dependence, and conditioned place preference of VRP26 as compared with the traditional opioid analgesic fentanyl. METHODS The antinociceptive effects of VRP26 and fentanyl were assessed using the mouse warm water tail withdrawal (WWTW) assay. Measurement of antinociceptive tolerance and physical dependence occurred after 7 days of continuous administration of either fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg/day) or VRP26 (10 mg/kg/day); tolerance was measured by a shift in the antinociceptive dose response curve in the WWTW assay. Physical dependence was determined by observation of withdrawal symptoms after precipitated withdrawal. Rewarding effects were measured by the ability of VRP26 or fentanyl to produce conditioned place preference. RESULTS Fentanyl produced significant tolerance and dependence, as well as significant conditioned place preference. VRP26 produced neither tolerance nor physical dependence, nor did it produce significant conditioned place preference. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that chronic treatment with VRP26 may produce less tolerance or physical dependence than chronic treatment with clinically available mu opioid analgesics such as fentanyl. Additionally, VRP26 produces less rewarding effects than fentanyl. This desirable in vivo profile may be due to the mixed efficacy nature of VRP26 and could provide the framework for safer opioid analgesics.
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30
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Multitarget opioid ligands in pain relief: New players in an old game. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 108:211-228. [PMID: 26656913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Still nowadays pain is one of the most common disabling conditions and yet it remains too often unsolved. Analgesic opioid drugs, and mainly MOR agonists such as morphine, are broadly employed for pain management. MOR activation, however, has been seen to cause not only analgesia but also undesired side effects. A potential pain treatment option is represented by the simultaneous targeting of different opioid receptors. In fact, ligands possessing multitarget capabilities led to an improved pharmacological fingerprint. This review focuses on the examination of multitarget opioid ligands which have been distinguished in peptide and non-peptide and further listed as bivalent and bifunctional ligands. Moreover, the potential of these compounds, both as analgesic drugs and pharmacological tools to explore heteromer receptors, has been stressed.
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31
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) compose one of the largest families of membrane proteins involved in intracellular signaling. They are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes and are prime candidates for drug development. Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have reported heteromerization between GPCRs. Many investigations in heterologous systems have provided important indications of potential novel pharmacology; however, the physiological relevance of these findings has yet to be established with endogenous receptors in native tissues. In this review, we focus on family A GPCRs and describe the techniques and criteria to assess their heteromerization. We conclude that advances in approaches to study receptor complex functionality in heterologous systems, coupled with techniques that enable specific examination of native receptor heteromers in vivo, are likely to establish GPCR heteromers as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029;
| | - Mohammed Akli Ayoub
- Biologie et Bioinformatique des Systèmes de Signalisation (BIOS) Group, INRA, UMR85, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements; CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- LE STUDIUM Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies, F-45000 Orleans, France
| | - Wakako Fujita
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029;
- Current address: Department of Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 852-8588, Japan
| | - Werner C Jaeger
- Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Dimerix Bioscience Limited, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029;
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32
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Yaksh TL, Woller SA, Ramachandran R, Sorkin LS. The search for novel analgesics: targets and mechanisms. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2015; 7:56. [PMID: 26097729 PMCID: PMC4447049 DOI: 10.12703/p7-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The management of the pain state is of great therapeutic relevance to virtually every medical specialty. Failure to manage its expression has deleterious consequence to the well-being of the organism. An understanding of the complex biology of the mechanisms underlying the processing of nociceptive information provides an important pathway towards development of novel and robust therapeutics. Importantly, preclinical models have been of considerable use in determining the linkage between mechanism and the associated behaviorally defined pain state. This review seeks to provide an overview of current thinking targeting pain biology, the use of preclinical models and the development of novel pain therapeutics. Issues pertinent to the strengths and weaknesses of current development strategies for analgesics are considered.
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33
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Fujita W, Gomes I, Devi LA. Revolution in GPCR signalling: opioid receptor heteromers as novel therapeutic targets: IUPHAR review 10. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:4155-76. [PMID: 24916280 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
GPCRs can interact with each other to form homomers or heteromers. Homomers involve interactions with the same receptor type while heteromers involve interactions between two different GPCRs. These receptor-receptor interactions modulate not only the binding but also the signalling and trafficking properties of individual receptors. Opioid receptor heteromerization has been extensively investigated with the objective of identifying novel therapeutic targets that are as potent as morphine but without the side effects associated with chronic morphine use. In this context, studies have described heteromerization between the different types of opioid receptors and between opioid receptors and a wide range of GPCRs including adrenoceptors, cannabinoid, 5-HT, metabotropic glutamate and sensory neuron-specific receptors. Recent advances in the field involving the generation of heteromer-specific reagents (antibodies or ligands) or of membrane-permeable peptides that disrupt the heteromer interaction are helping to elucidate the physiological role of opioid receptor heteromers and the contribution of the partner receptor to the side effects associated with opioid use. For example, studies using membrane-permeable peptides targeting the heteromer interface have implicated μ and δ receptor heteromers in the development of tolerance to morphine, and heteromers of μ and gastrin-releasing peptide receptors in morphine-induced itch. In addition, a number of ligands that selectively target opioid receptor heteromers exhibit potent antinociception with a decrease in the side effects commonly associated with morphine use. In this review, we summarize the latest findings regarding the biological and functional characteristics of opioid receptor heteromers both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Fujita
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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34
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Provasi D, Boz MB, Johnston JM, Filizola M. Preferred supramolecular organization and dimer interfaces of opioid receptors from simulated self-association. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004148. [PMID: 25822938 PMCID: PMC4379167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial evidence in support of the formation of opioid receptor (OR) di-/oligomers suggests previously unknown mechanisms used by these proteins to exert their biological functions. In an attempt to guide experimental assessment of the identity of the minimal signaling unit for ORs, we conducted extensive coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of different combinations of the three major OR subtypes, i.e., μ-OR, δ-OR, and κ-OR, in an explicit lipid bilayer. Specifically, we ran multiple, independent MD simulations of each homomeric μ-OR/μ-OR, δ-OR/δ-OR, and κ-OR/κ-OR complex, as well as two of the most studied heteromeric complexes, i.e., δ-OR/μ-OR and δ-OR/κ-OR, to derive the preferred supramolecular organization and dimer interfaces of ORs in a cell membrane model. These simulations yielded over 250 microseconds of accumulated data, which correspond to approximately 1 millisecond of effective simulated dynamics according to established scaling factors of the CG model we employed. Analysis of these data indicates similar preferred supramolecular organization and dimer interfaces of ORs across the different receptor subtypes, but also important differences in the kinetics of receptor association at specific dimer interfaces. We also investigated the kinetic properties of interfacial lipids, and explored their possible role in modulating the rate of receptor association and in promoting the formation of filiform aggregates, thus supporting a distinctive role of the membrane in OR oligomerization and, possibly, signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Provasi
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mustafa Burak Boz
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M. Johnston
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marta Filizola
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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35
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Beaudry H, Gendron L, Morón JA. Implication of delta opioid receptor subtype 2 but not delta opioid receptor subtype 1 in the development of morphine analgesic tolerance in a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 41:901--7. [PMID: 25639561 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are well known for their robust analgesic effects. Chronic activation of mu opioid receptors (MOPs) is, however, accompanied by various unwanted effects such as analgesic tolerance. Among other mechanisms, interactions between MOPs and delta opioid receptors (DOPs) are thought to play an important role in morphine-induced behavioral adaptations. Interestingly, certain conditions such as inflammation enhance the function of the DOP through a MOP-dependent mechanism. Here, we investigated the role of DOPs during the development of morphine tolerance in an animal model of chronic inflammatory pain. Using behavioral approaches, we first established that repeated systemic morphine treatment induced morphine analgesic tolerance in rats coping with chronic inflammatory pain. We then observed that blockade of DOPs with subcutaneous naltrindole (NTI), a selective DOP antagonist, significantly attenuated the development of morphine tolerance in a dose-dependent manner. We confirmed that this effect was DOP mediated by showing that an acute injection of NTI had no effect on morphine-induced analgesia in naive animals. Previous pharmacological characterizations revealed the existence of DOP subtype 1 and DOP subtype 2. As opposed to NTI, 7-benzylidenenaltrexone and naltriben were reported to be selective DOP subtype 1 and DOP subtype 2 antagonists, respectively. Interestingly, naltriben but not 7-benzylidenenaltrexone was able to attenuate the development of morphine analgesic tolerance in inflamed rats. Altogether, our results suggest that targeting of DOP subtype 2 with antagonists provides a valuable strategy to attenuate the analgesic tolerance that develops after repeated morphine administration in the setting of chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Beaudry
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, P&S Box 46, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
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36
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Fattore L, Fadda P, Antinori S, Fratta W. Role of opioid receptors in the reinstatement of opioid-seeking behavior: an overview. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1230:281-293. [PMID: 25293335 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1708-2_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Opioid abuse in humans is characterized by discontinuous periods of drug use and abstinence. With time, the probability of falling into renewed drug consumption becomes particularly high and constitutes a considerable problem in the management of heroin addicts. The major problem in the treatment of opioid dependence still remains the occurrence of relapse, to which stressful life events, renewed use of heroin, and exposure to drug-associated environmental cues are all positively correlated. To study the neurobiology of relapse, many research groups currently use the reinstatement animal model, which greatly contributed to disentangle the mechanisms underlying relapse to drug-seeking in laboratory animals. The use of this model is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and new versions have been recently developed to better appreciate the differential contribution of each opioid receptor subtype to the relapse phenomenon. In this chapter we review the state of the art of our knowledge on the specific role of the opioid receptors as unrevealed by the reinstatement animal model of opioid-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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37
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Fujita W, Gomes I, Dove LS, Prohaska D, McIntyre G, Devi LA. Molecular characterization of eluxadoline as a potential ligand targeting mu-delta opioid receptor heteromers. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 92:448-56. [PMID: 25261794 PMCID: PMC4769596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Eluxadoline, an orally active mixed μ opioid receptor (μOR) agonist δ opioid receptor (δOR) antagonist developed for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, normalizes gastrointestinal (GI) transit and defecation under conditions of novel environment stress or post-inflammatory altered GI function. Furthermore, compared to loperamide, which is used to treat non-specific diarrhea, the effects of eluxadoline on GI transit occur over a wider dosage range. However, the mechanisms of action of eluxadoline are unclear. In this study, we compared the ability of eluxadoline and loperamide to activate G-protein- and β-arrestin-mediated signaling at μOR homomers or μOR-δOR heteromers in heterologous cells. We also examined the ability of both compounds to reduce castor oil induced diarrhea in wild type (WT) and mice lacking δOR. We find that eluxadoline is more potent than loperamide in eliciting G-protein activity and β-arrestin recruitment in μOR expressing cells. However, in cells expressing μOR-δOR heteromers, the potency of eluxadoline is higher, but its maximal effect is lower than that of loperamide. Moreover, in these cells the signaling mediated by eluxadoline but not loperamide is reduced by μOR-δOR heteromer-selective antibodies. We find that in castor oil-induced diarrhea eluxadoline is more efficacious compared to loperamide in WT mice, and δOR appears to play a role in this process. Taken together these results indicate that eluxadoline behaves as a potent μOR agonist in the absence of δOR, while in the presence of δOR eluxadoline's effects are mediated through the μOR-δOR heteromer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arrestins/metabolism
- Castor Oil/adverse effects
- Diarrhea/chemically induced
- Diarrhea/drug therapy
- Humans
- Imidazoles/pharmacology
- Ligands
- Loperamide/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Phenylalanine/analogs & derivatives
- Phenylalanine/pharmacology
- Protein Multimerization
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- beta-Arrestins
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Fujita
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leonard S Dove
- Furiex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3900 Paramount Parkway, Suite 150, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA
| | - David Prohaska
- Furiex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3900 Paramount Parkway, Suite 150, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA
| | - Gail McIntyre
- Furiex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3900 Paramount Parkway, Suite 150, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Le Naour M, Lunzer MM, Powers MD, Kalyuzhny AE, Benneyworth MA, Thomas MJ, Portoghese PS. Putative kappa opioid heteromers as targets for developing analgesics free of adverse effects. J Med Chem 2014; 57:6383-92. [PMID: 24978316 PMCID: PMC4136663 DOI: 10.1021/jm500159d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is now generally recognized that upon activation by an agonist, β-arrestin associates with G protein-coupled receptors and acts as a scaffold in creating a diverse signaling network that could lead to adverse effects. As an approach to reducing side effects associated with κ opioid agonists, a series of β-naltrexamides 3-10 was synthesized in an effort to selectively target putative κ opioid heteromers without recruiting β-arrestin upon activation. The most potent derivative 3 (INTA) strongly activated KOR-DOR and KOR-MOR heteromers in HEK293 cells. In vivo studies revealed 3 to produce potent antinociception, which, when taken together with antagonism data, was consistent with the activation of both heteromers. 3 was devoid of tolerance, dependence, and showed no aversive effect in the conditioned place preference assay. As immunofluorescence studies indicated no recruitment of β-arrestin2 to membranes in coexpressed KOR-DOR cells, this study suggests that targeting of specific putative heteromers has the potential to identify leads for analgesics devoid of adverse effects.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics/adverse effects
- Analgesics/chemistry
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Arrestins/metabolism
- Avoidance Learning/drug effects
- Calcium/metabolism
- Drug Tolerance
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Indoles/adverse effects
- Indoles/chemistry
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Mice
- Naltrexone/adverse effects
- Naltrexone/analogs & derivatives
- Naltrexone/chemistry
- Naltrexone/pharmacology
- Protein Multimerization
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Stereoisomerism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Substance-Related Disorders/etiology
- beta-Arrestins
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Le Naour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota , WDH 8-114, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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39
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Fujita W, Gomes I, Devi LA. Heteromers of μ-δ opioid receptors: new pharmacology and novel therapeutic possibilities. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:375-87. [PMID: 24571499 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Several studies suggest that heteromerization between μ (MOP) and δ (DOP) opioid receptors modulates the signalling properties of the individual receptors. For example, whereas activation of MOP receptors by an agonist induces G protein-mediated signalling, the same agonist induces β-arrestin-mediated signalling in the context of the MOP-DOP receptor heteromer. Moreover, heteromer-mediated signalling is allosterically modulated by a combination of MOP and DOP receptor ligands. This has implications in analgesia given that morphine-induced antinociception can be potentiated by DOP receptor ligands. Recently reagents selectively targeting the MOP-DOP receptor heteromer such as bivalent ligands, antibodies or membrane permeable peptides have been generated; these reagents are enabling studies to elucidate the contribution of endogenously expressed heteromers to analgesia as well as to the development of side-effects associated with chronic opioid use. Recent advances in drug screening technology have led to the identification of a MOP-DOP receptor heteromer-biased agonist that activates both G protein-mediated and β-arrestin-mediated signalling. Moreover, this heteromer-biased agonist exhibits potent antinociceptive activity but with reduced side-effects, suggesting that ligands targeting the MOP-DOP receptor heteromer form a basis for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of pain. In this review, we summarize findings regarding the biological and functional characteristics of the MOP-DOP receptor heteromer and the in vitro and in vivo properties of heteromer-selective ligands. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Fujita
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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40
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Ong EW, Cahill CM. Molecular Perspectives for mu/delta Opioid Receptor Heteromers as Distinct, Functional Receptors. Cells 2014; 3:152-79. [PMID: 24709907 PMCID: PMC3980742 DOI: 10.3390/cells3010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid receptors are the sites of action for morphine and the other opioid drugs. Abundant evidence now demonstrates that different opioid receptor types can physically associate to form heteromers. Understandings of the nature, behavior, and role of these opioid receptor heteromers are developing. Owing to their constituent monomers’ involvement in analgesia, mu/delta opioid receptor (M/DOR) heteromers have been a particular focus of attention. There is now considerable evidence demonstrating M/DOR to be an extant and physiologically relevant receptor species. Participating in the cellular environment as a distinct receptor type, M/DOR availability is complexly regulated and M/DOR exhibits unique pharmacology from that of other opioid receptors (ORs), including its constituents. M/DOR appears to have a range of actions that vary in a ligand- (or ligands-) dependent manner. These actions can meaningfully affect the clinical effects of opioid drugs: strategies targeting M/DOR may be therapeutically useful. This review presents and discusses developments in these understandings with a focus on the molecular nature and activity of M/DOR in the context of therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund W Ong
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
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41
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Gomes I, Fujita W, Chandrakala MV, Devi LA. Disease-specific heteromerization of G-protein-coupled receptors that target drugs of abuse. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 117:207-65. [PMID: 23663971 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386931-9.00009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse such as morphine or marijuana exert their effects through the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the opioid and cannabinoid receptors, respectively. Moreover, interactions between either of these receptors have been shown to be involved in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. Recent advances in the field, using a variety of approaches, have demonstrated that many GPCRs, including opioid, cannabinoid, and dopamine receptors, can form associations between different receptor subtypes or with other GPCRs to form heteromeric complexes. The formation of these complexes, in turn, leads to the modulation of the properties of individual protomers. The development of tools that can selectively disrupt GPCR heteromers as well as monoclonal antibodies that can selectively block signaling by specific heteromer pairs has indicated that heteromers involving opioid, cannabinoid, or dopamine receptors may play a role in various disease states. In this review, we describe evidence for opioid, cannabinoid, and dopamine receptor heteromerization and the potential role of GPCR heteromers in pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
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42
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Lee CWS, Ho IK. Pharmacological Profiles of Oligomerized μ-Opioid Receptors. Cells 2013; 2:689-714. [PMID: 24709876 PMCID: PMC3972655 DOI: 10.3390/cells2040689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are widely prescribed pain relievers with multiple side effects and potential complications. They produce analgesia via G-protein-protein coupled receptors: μ-, δ-, κ-opioid and opioid receptor-like 1 receptors. Bivalent ligands targeted to the oligomerized opioid receptors might be the key to developing analgesics without undesired side effects and obtaining effective treatment for opioid addicts. In this review we will update the biological effects of μ-opioids on homo- or hetero-oligomerized μ-opioid receptor and discuss potential mechanisms through which bivalent ligands exert beneficial effects, including adenylate cyclase regulation and receptor-mediated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Wei-Sheng Lee
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Ing-Kang Ho
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
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43
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Largent-Milnes TM, Brookshire SW, Skinner DP, Hanlon KE, Giuvelis D, Yamamoto T, Davis P, Campos CR, Nair P, Deekonda S, Bilsky EJ, Porreca F, Hruby VJ, Vanderah TW. Building a better analgesic: multifunctional compounds that address injury-induced pathology to enhance analgesic efficacy while eliminating unwanted side effects. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 347:7-19. [PMID: 23860305 PMCID: PMC3781412 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.205245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most highly abused prescription drugs are opioids used for the treatment of pain. Physician-reported drug-seeking behavior has resulted in a significant health concern among doctors trying to adequately treat pain while limiting the misuse or diversion of pain medications. In addition to abuse liability, opioid use is associated with unwanted side effects that complicate pain management, including opioid-induced emesis and constipation. This has resulted in restricting long-term doses of opioids and inadequate treatment of both acute and chronic debilitating pain, demonstrating a compelling need for novel analgesics. Recent reports indicate that adaptations in endogenous substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1) are induced by chronic pain and sustained opioid exposure, and these changes may contribute to processes responsible for opioid abuse liability, emesis, and analgesic tolerance. Here, we describe a multifunctional mu-/delta-opioid agonist/NK1 antagonist compound [Tyr-d-Ala-Gly-Phe-Met-Pro-Leu-Trp-NH-Bn(CF3)2 (TY027)] that has a preclinical profile of excellent antinociceptive efficacy, low abuse liability, and no opioid-related emesis or constipation. In rodent models of acute and neuropathic pain, TY027 demonstrates analgesic efficacy following central or systemic administration with a plasma half-life of more than 4 hours and central nervous system penetration. These data demonstrate that an innovative opioid designed to contest the pathology created by chronic pain and sustained opioids results in antinociceptive efficacy in rodent models, with significantly fewer side effects than morphine. Such rationally designed, multitargeted compounds are a promising therapeutic approach in treating patients who suffer from acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology (T.M.L.-M., S.W.B., D.P.S., K.E.H., P.D., C.R.C., F.P., T.W.V.), and Department of Chemistry (T.Y., P.N, S.D., V.J.H.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and Center for Excellence in Neuroscience, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine (K.E.H., D.G., E.J.B., F.P., T.W.V.)
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44
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A novel bivalent HIV-1 entry inhibitor reveals fundamental differences in CCR5-μ-opioid receptor interactions between human astroglia and microglia. AIDS 2013; 27:2181-90. [PMID: 23751259 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e3283639804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored whether the opiate, morphine, affects the actions of maraviroc, as well as a recently synthesized bivalent derivative of maraviroc linked to an opioid antagonist, naltrexone, on HIV-1 entry in primary human glia. METHODS HIV-1 entry was monitored in glia transiently transfected with an LTR construct containing a luciferase reporter gene under control of a promoter for the HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat. The effect of maraviroc and the bivalent ligand with or without morphine on CCR5 surface expression and cytokine release was also explored. RESULTS Maraviroc inhibits HIV-1 entry into glial cells, whereas morphine negates the effects of maraviroc leading to a significant increase in viral entry. We also demonstrate that the maraviroc-containing bivalent ligand better inhibits R5-tropic viral entry in astrocytes than microglia compared to maraviroc when coadministered with morphine. Importantly, the inhibitory effects of the bivalent compound in astrocytes were not compromised by morphine. Exposure to maraviroc decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restricted HIV-1-dependent increases in CCR5 expression in both astrocytes and microglia, whereas exposure to the bivalent had a similar effect in astrocytes but not in microglia. The CCR5-μ-opioid receptor (MOR) stoichiometric ratio varied among the two cell types with CCR5 expressed at much higher levels than MOR in microglia, which could explain the effectiveness of the bivalent ligand in astrocytes compared to microglia. CONCLUSION A novel bivalent compound reveals fundamental differences in CCR5-MOR interactions and HIV-1 infectivity among glia, and has unique therapeutic potential in opiate abuse-HIV interactive comorbidity.
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45
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Yekkirala AS, Kalyuzhny AE, Portoghese PS. An immunocytochemical-derived correlate for evaluating the bridging of heteromeric mu-delta opioid protomers by bivalent ligands. ACS Chem Biol 2013; 8:1412-6. [PMID: 23675763 DOI: 10.1021/cb400113d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bivalent ligands that contain two pharmacophores linked by a spacer are promising tools to investigate the pharmacology of opioid receptor heteromers. Evidence for occupation of neighboring protomers by two phamacophores of a single bivalent ligand (bridging) has relied mainly on pharmacological data. In the present study, we have employed an immunocytochemical correlate to support in vivo biological studies that are consistent with bridging. We show that a bivalent mu agonist/delta antagonist (MDAN-21) that is devoid of tolerance due to possible bridging of mu and delta protomers prevents endocytosis of the heteromeric receptors in HEK-293 cells. Conversely, a bivalent ligand (MDAN-16) with a short spacer or monovalent mu agonist give rise to robust internalization. The data suggest that the immobilization of proximal mu and delta protomers is due to bridging by MDAN-21. The finding that MDAN-21 and its shorter spacer homologue MDAN-16 possess equivalent activity in HEK-293 cells, but produce dramatically divergent internalization of mu-delta heteromer, is relevant to the role of internalization and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay S. Yekkirala
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, ‡Department of Pharmacology, and §Department of Neuroscience,
Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Alexander E Kalyuzhny
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, ‡Department of Pharmacology, and §Department of Neuroscience,
Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Philip S. Portoghese
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, ‡Department of Pharmacology, and §Department of Neuroscience,
Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
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46
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On the g-protein-coupled receptor heteromers and their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in the central nervous system: focus on their role in pain modulation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:563716. [PMID: 23956775 PMCID: PMC3730365 DOI: 10.1155/2013/563716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The modulatory role of allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in the pain pathways of the Central Nervous System and the peripheral nociceptors has become of increasing interest. As integrators of nociceptive and antinociceptive wiring and volume transmission signals, with a major role for the opioid receptor heteromers, they likely have an important role in the pain circuits and may be involved in acupuncture. The delta opioid receptor (DOR) exerts an antagonistic allosteric influence on the mu opioid receptor (MOR) function in a MOR-DOR heteromer. This heteromer contributes to morphine-induced tolerance and dependence, since it becomes abundant and develops a reduced G-protein-coupling with reduced signaling mainly operating via β-arrestin2 upon chronic morphine treatment. A DOR antagonist causes a return of the Gi/o binding and coupling to the heteromer and the biological actions of morphine. The gender- and ovarian steroid-dependent recruitment of spinal cord MOR/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) heterodimers enhances antinociceptive functions and if impaired could contribute to chronic pain states in women. MOR1D heterodimerizes with gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the spinal cord, mediating morphine induced itch. Other mechanism for the antinociceptive actions of acupuncture along meridians may be that it enhances the cross-desensitization of the TRPA1 (chemical nociceptor)-TRPV1 (capsaicin receptor) heteromeric channel complexes within the nociceptor terminals located along these meridians. Selective ionotropic cannabinoids may also produce cross-desensitization of the TRPA1-TRPV1 heteromeric nociceptor channels by being negative allosteric modulators of these channels leading to antinociception and antihyperalgesia.
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47
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Naour ML, Akgün E, Yekkirala A, Lunzer MM, Powers MD, Kalyuzhny AE, Portoghese PS. Bivalent ligands that target μ opioid (MOP) and cannabinoid1 (CB1) receptors are potent analgesics devoid of tolerance. J Med Chem 2013; 56:5505-13. [PMID: 23734559 PMCID: PMC3849126 DOI: 10.1021/jm4005219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Given that μ opioid (MOP) and canabinoid (CB1) receptors are colocalized in various regions of the central nervous system and have been reported to associate as heteromer (MOP-CB1) in cultured cells, the possibility of functional, endogenous MOP-CB1 in nociception and other pharmacologic effects has been raised. As a first step in investigating this possibility, we have synthesized a series of bivalent ligands 1-5 that contain both μ agonist and CB1 antagonist pharmacophores for use as tools to study the functional interaction between MOP and CB1 receptors in vivo. Immunofluorescent studies on HEK293 cells coexpressing both receptors suggested 5 (20-atom spacer) to be the only member of the series that bridges the protomers of the heteromer. Antinociceptive testing in mice revealed 5 to be the most potent member of the series. As neither a mixture of monovalent ligands 9 + 10 nor bivalents 2-5 produced tolerance in mice, MOR-CB1 apparently is not an important target for reducing tolerance.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemical synthesis
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cell Membrane/drug effects
- Cell Membrane/metabolism
- Drug Design
- Drug Tolerance
- Endocytosis/drug effects
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Injections, Spinal
- Ligands
- Male
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Models, Chemical
- Molecular Structure
- Pain/physiopathology
- Pain/prevention & control
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Le Naour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Eyup Akgün
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Ajay Yekkirala
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Mary M. Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Mike D. Powers
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Alexander E. Kalyuzhny
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Philip S. Portoghese
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
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48
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Identification of a μ-δ opioid receptor heteromer-biased agonist with antinociceptive activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:12072-7. [PMID: 23818586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1222044110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors play a pivotal role in many physiological signaling pathways. Mounting evidence suggests that G protein-coupled receptors, including opioid receptors, form dimers, and dimerization is necessary for receptor maturation, signaling, and trafficking. However, the physiological role of dimerization in vivo has not been well-explored because of the lack of tools to study these dimers in endogenous systems. To address this problem, we previously generated antibodies to μ-δ opioid receptor (μOR-δOR) dimers and used them to study the pharmacology and signaling by this heteromer. We also showed that the heteromer exhibits restricted distribution in the brain and that its abundance is increased in response to chronic morphine administration. Thus, the μOR-δOR heteromer represents a potentially unique target for the development of therapeutics to treat pain. Here, we report the identification of compounds targeting μOR-δOR heteromers through high-throughput screening of a small-molecule library. These compounds exhibit activity in μOR-δOR cells but not μOR or δOR cells alone. Among them, CYM51010 was found to be a μOR-δOR-biased ligand, because its activity is blocked by the μOR-δOR heteromer antibody. Notably, systemic administration of CYM51010 induced antinociceptive activity similar to morphine, and chronic administration of CYM51010 resulted in lesser antinociceptive tolerance compared with morphine. Taken together, these results suggest that CYM51010, a μOR-δOR-biased ligand, could serve as a scaffold for the development of a unique type (heteromer-biased) of drug that is more potent and without the severe side effects associated with conventional clinical opioids.
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49
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Hiller C, Kühhorn J, Gmeiner P. Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Dimers and Bivalent Ligands. J Med Chem 2013; 56:6542-59. [DOI: 10.1021/jm4004335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hiller
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy,
Emil Fischer
Center, Friedrich Alexander University,
Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Kühhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy,
Emil Fischer
Center, Friedrich Alexander University,
Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy,
Emil Fischer
Center, Friedrich Alexander University,
Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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50
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Law PY, Reggio PH, Loh HH. Opioid receptors: toward separation of analgesic from undesirable effects. Trends Biochem Sci 2013; 38:275-82. [PMID: 23598157 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of opioid analgesics for pain has always been hampered by their many side effects; in particular, the addictive liability associated with chronic use. Recently, attempts to develop analgesic agents with reduced side effects have targeted either the putative opioid receptor splice variants or the receptor hetero-oligomers. This review discusses the potential for receptor splice variant- and the hetero-oligomer-based discovery of new opioid analgesics. We also examine an alternative approach of using receptor mutants for pain management. Finally, we discuss the role of the biased agonism observed and the recently reported opioid receptor crystal structures in guiding the future development of opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Yee Law
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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