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Shen Q, Tang X, Wen X, Cheng S, Xiao P, Zang SK, Shen DD, Jiang L, Zheng Y, Zhang H, Xu H, Mao C, Zhang M, Hu W, Sun JP, Zhang Y, Chen Z. Molecular Determinant Underlying Selective Coupling of Primary G-Protein by Class A GPCRs. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310120. [PMID: 38647423 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit downstream signals predominantly via G-protein pathways. However, the conformational basis of selective coupling of primary G-protein remains elusive. Histamine receptors H2R and H3R couple with Gs- or Gi-proteins respectively. Here, three cryo-EM structures of H2R-Gs and H3R-Gi complexes are presented at a global resolution of 2.6-2.7 Å. These structures reveal the unique binding pose for endogenous histamine in H3R, wherein the amino group interacts with E2065.46 of H3R instead of the conserved D1143.32 of other aminergic receptors. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the H2R-Gs and H3R-Gi complexes reveals that the structural geometry of TM5/TM6 determines the primary G-protein selectivity in histamine receptors. Machine learning (ML)-based structuromic profiling and functional analysis of class A GPCR-G-protein complexes illustrate that TM5 length, TM5 tilt, and TM6 outward movement are key determinants of the Gs and Gi/o selectivity among the whole Class A family. Collectively, the findings uncover the common structural geometry within class A GPCRs that determines the primary Gs- and Gi/o-coupling selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingya Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinyan Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shizhuo Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shao-Kun Zang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dan-Dan Shen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yanrong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Huibing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haomang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chunyou Mao
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
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2
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Zhang M, Chen T, Lu X, Lan X, Chen Z, Lu S. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): advances in structures, mechanisms, and drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:88. [PMID: 38594257 PMCID: PMC11004190 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01803-6] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of human membrane proteins and an important class of drug targets, play a role in maintaining numerous physiological processes. Agonist or antagonist, orthosteric effects or allosteric effects, and biased signaling or balanced signaling, characterize the complexity of GPCR dynamic features. In this study, we first review the structural advancements, activation mechanisms, and functional diversity of GPCRs. We then focus on GPCR drug discovery by revealing the detailed drug-target interactions and the underlying mechanisms of orthosteric drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the past five years. Particularly, an up-to-date analysis is performed on available GPCR structures complexed with synthetic small-molecule allosteric modulators to elucidate key receptor-ligand interactions and allosteric mechanisms. Finally, we highlight how the widespread GPCR-druggable allosteric sites can guide structure- or mechanism-based drug design and propose prospects of designing bitopic ligands for the future therapeutic potential of targeting this receptor family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xun Lu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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3
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Gorostiola González M, Rakers PRJ, Jespers W, IJzerman AP, Heitman LH, van Westen GJP. Computational Characterization of Membrane Proteins as Anticancer Targets: Current Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3698. [PMID: 38612509 PMCID: PMC11011372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073698] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and calls for novel therapeutic targets. Membrane proteins are key players in various cancer types but present unique challenges compared to soluble proteins. The advent of computational drug discovery tools offers a promising approach to address these challenges, allowing for the prioritization of "wet-lab" experiments. In this review, we explore the applications of computational approaches in membrane protein oncological characterization, particularly focusing on three prominent membrane protein families: receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and solute carrier proteins (SLCs). We chose these families due to their varying levels of understanding and research data availability, which leads to distinct challenges and opportunities for computational analysis. We discuss the utilization of multi-omics data, machine learning, and structure-based methods to investigate aberrant protein functionalities associated with cancer progression within each family. Moreover, we highlight the importance of considering the broader cellular context and, in particular, cross-talk between proteins. Despite existing challenges, computational tools hold promise in dissecting membrane protein dysregulation in cancer. With advancing computational capabilities and data resources, these tools are poised to play a pivotal role in identifying and prioritizing membrane proteins as personalized anticancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gorostiola González
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
- Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn R. J. Rakers
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Willem Jespers
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
- Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. P. van Westen
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
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4
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Yang X, Zhang W, Wang L, Zhao Y, Wei W. Metabolite-sensing GPCRs in rheumatoid arthritis. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:118-133. [PMID: 38182481 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.12.001] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Persistent inflammation in damaged joints results in metabolic dysregulation of the synovial microenvironment, causing pathogenic alteration of cell activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the role of metabolite and metabolite-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the RA-related inflammatory immune response (IIR) has become a focus of research attention. These GPCRs participate in the progression of RA by modulating immune cell activation, migration, and inflammatory responses. Here, we discuss recent evidence implicating metabolic dysregulation in RA pathogenesis, focusing on the connection between RA-related IIR and GPCR signals originating from the synovial joint and gut. Furthermore, we discuss future directions for targeting metabolite-sensing GPCRs for therapeutic benefit, emphasizing the importance of identifying endogenous ligands and investigating the various transduction mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhi Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wankang Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Luping Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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5
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Zheng C, Nguyen KK, Vishnivetskiy SA, Gurevich VV, Gurevich EV. Arrestin-3 binds parkin and enhances parkin-dependent mitophagy. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38196269 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16043] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Arrestins were discovered for their role in homologous desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Later non-visual arrestins were shown to regulate several signaling pathways. Some of these pathways require arrestin binding to GPCRs, the regulation of others is receptor independent. Here, we demonstrate that arrestin-3 binds the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin via multiple sites, preferentially interacting with its RING0 domain. Identification of the parkin domains involved suggests that arrestin-3 likely relieves parkin autoinhibition and/or stabilizes the enzymatically active "open" conformation of parkin. Arrestin-3 binding enhances ubiquitination by parkin of the mitochondrial protein mitofusin-1 and facilitates parkin-mediated mitophagy in HeLa cells. Furthermore, arrestin-3 and its mutant with enhanced parkin binding rescue mitofusin-1 ubiquitination and mitophagy in the presence of the Parkinson's disease-associated R275W parkin mutant, which is defective in both functions. Thus, modulation of parkin activity via arrestin-3 might be a novel strategy of anti-parkinsonian therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kevin K Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Vsevolod V Gurevich
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eugenia V Gurevich
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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6
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Zhang M, Lan X, Li X, Lu S. Pharmacologically targeting intracellular allosteric sites of GPCRs for drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103803. [PMID: 37852356 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103803] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a family of cell surface proteins that can sense a variety of extracellular stimuli and mediate multiple signaling transduction pathways involved in human physiology. Recent advances in GPCR structural biology have revealed a relatively conserved intracellular allosteric site in multiple GPCRs, which can be utilized to modulate receptors from the inside. This novel intracellular site partially overlaps with the G-protein and β-arrestin coupling sites, providing a novel avenue for biological intervention. Here, we review evidence available for GPCR structures complexed with intracellular small-molecule allosteric modulators, elucidating drug-target interactions and allosteric mechanisms. Moreover, we highlight the potential of intracellular allosteric modulators in achieving biased signaling, which provides insights into biased allosteric mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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7
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Che T, Roth BL. Molecular basis of opioid receptor signaling. Cell 2023; 186:5203-5219. [PMID: 37995655 PMCID: PMC10710086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are used for pain management despite the side effects that contribute to the opioid crisis. The pursuit of non-addictive opioid analgesics remains unattained due to the unresolved intricacies of opioid actions, receptor signaling cascades, and neuronal plasticity. Advancements in structural, molecular, and computational tools illuminate the dynamic interplay between opioids and opioid receptors, as well as the molecular determinants of signaling pathways, which are potentially interlinked with pharmacological responses. Here, we review the molecular basis of opioid receptor signaling with a focus on the structures of opioid receptors bound to endogenous peptides or pharmacological agents. These insights unveil specific interactions that dictate ligand selectivity and likely their distinctive pharmacological profiles. Biochemical analysis further unveils molecular features governing opioid receptor signaling. Simultaneously, the synergy between computational biology and medicinal chemistry continues to expedite the discovery of novel chemotypes with the promise of yielding more efficacious and safer opioid compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599, NC, USA.
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8
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Zheng C, Javitch JA, Lambert NA, Donthamsetti P, Gurevich VV. In-Cell Arrestin-Receptor Interaction Assays. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e890. [PMID: 37787634 PMCID: PMC10566372 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent ∼30% of current drug targets. Ligand binding to these receptors activates G proteins and arrestins, which function in different signaling pathways. Given that functionally selective or biased ligands preferentially activate one of these two groups of pathways, they may be superior medications for certain disease states. The identification of such ligands requires robust drug screening assays for both G protein and arrestin activity. This unit describes protocols for assays that monitor reversible arrestin recruitment to GPCRs in living cells using either bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) or nanoluciferase complementation (NanoLuc). Two types of assays can be used: one configuration directly measures arrestin recruitment to a GPCR fused to a protein tag at its intracellular C-terminus, whereas the other configuration detects arrestin translocation to the plasma membrane in response to activation of an unmodified GPCR. Together, these assays are powerful tools for studying dynamic interactions between GPCRs and arrestins. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Receptor-arrestin BRET assay to measure ligand-induced recruitment of arrestin to receptors Basic Protocol 2: Receptor-arrestin NANOBIT assay to measure ligand-induced recruitment of arrestin to receptors Alternative Protocol 1: BRET assay to measure ligand-induced recruitment of arrestin to the plasma membrane Alternative Protocol 2: NANOBIT assay to measure ligand-induced recruitment of arrestin to the plasma membrane Support Protocol 1: Optimization of polyethylenimine (PEI) concentration for transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan A. Javitch
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Nevin A. Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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Wess J, Oteng AB, Rivera-Gonzalez O, Gurevich EV, Gurevich VV. β-Arrestins: Structure, Function, Physiology, and Pharmacological Perspectives. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:854-884. [PMID: 37028945 PMCID: PMC10441628 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The two β-arrestins, β-arrestin-1 and -2 (systematic names: arrestin-2 and -3, respectively), are multifunctional intracellular proteins that regulate the activity of a very large number of cellular signaling pathways and physiologic functions. The two proteins were discovered for their ability to disrupt signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) via binding to the activated receptors. However, it is now well recognized that both β-arrestins can also act as direct modulators of numerous cellular processes via either GPCR-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Recent structural, biophysical, and biochemical studies have provided novel insights into how β-arrestins bind to activated GPCRs and downstream effector proteins. Studies with β-arrestin mutant mice have identified numerous physiologic and pathophysiological processes regulated by β-arrestin-1 and/or -2. Following a short summary of recent structural studies, this review primarily focuses on β-arrestin-regulated physiologic functions, with particular focus on the central nervous system and the roles of β-arrestins in carcinogenesis and key metabolic processes including the maintenance of glucose and energy homeostasis. This review also highlights potential therapeutic implications of these studies and discusses strategies that could prove useful for targeting specific β-arrestin-regulated signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The two β-arrestins, structurally closely related intracellular proteins that are evolutionarily highly conserved, have emerged as multifunctional proteins able to regulate a vast array of cellular and physiological functions. The outcome of studies with β-arrestin mutant mice and cultured cells, complemented by novel insights into β-arrestin structure and function, should pave the way for the development of novel classes of therapeutically useful drugs capable of regulating specific β-arrestin functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Antwi-Boasiako Oteng
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Osvaldo Rivera-Gonzalez
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Eugenia V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Vsevolod V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
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10
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Duan J, Liu H, Zhao F, Yuan Q, Ji Y, Cai X, He X, Li X, Li J, Wu K, Gao T, Zhu S, Lin S, Wang MW, Cheng X, Yin W, Jiang Y, Yang D, Xu HE. GPCR activation and GRK2 assembly by a biased intracellular agonist. Nature 2023; 620:676-681. [PMID: 37532940 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by GPCR kinases (GRKs) desensitizes G-protein signalling and promotes arrestin signalling, which is also modulated by biased ligands1-6. The molecular assembly of GRKs on GPCRs and the basis of GRK-mediated biased signalling remain largely unknown owing to the weak GPCR-GRK interactions. Here we report the complex structure of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) bound to GRK2, Gαq and the arrestin-biased ligand SBI-5537. The density map reveals the arrangement of the intact GRK2 with the receptor, with the N-terminal helix of GRK2 docking into the open cytoplasmic pocket formed by the outward movement of the receptor transmembrane helix 6, analogous to the binding of the G protein to the receptor. SBI-553 binds at the interface between GRK2 and NTSR1 to enhance GRK2 binding. The binding mode of SBI-553 is compatible with arrestin binding but clashes with the binding of Gαq protein, thus providing a mechanism for its arrestin-biased signalling capability. In sum, our structure provides a rational model for understanding the details of GPCR-GRK interactions and GRK2-mediated biased signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Heng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenghui Zhao
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingning Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cai
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Junrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengnan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Lin
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanchao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Dehua Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, Hainan, China.
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Kayser C, Melkes B, Derieux C, Bock A. Spatiotemporal GPCR signaling illuminated by genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 71:102384. [PMID: 37327640 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ligand-activated cell membrane proteins and represent the most important class of drug targets. GPCRs adopt several active conformations that stimulate different intracellular G proteins (and other transducers) and thereby modulate second messenger levels, eventually resulting in receptor-specific cell responses. It is increasingly accepted that not only the type of active signaling protein but also the duration of its stimulation and the subcellular location from where receptors signal distinctly contribute to the overall cell response. However, the molecular principles governing such spatiotemporal GPCR signaling and their role in disease are incompletely understood. Genetically encoded, fluorescent biosensors-in particular for the GPCR/cAMP signaling axis-have been pivotal to the discovery and molecular understanding of novel concepts in spatiotemporal GPCR signaling. These include GPCR priming, location bias, and receptor-associated independent cAMP nanodomains. Here, we review such technologies that we believe will illuminate the spatiotemporal organization of other GPCR signaling pathways that define the complex signaling architecture of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Kayser
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbora Melkes
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cécile Derieux
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bock
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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12
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Vuckovic Z, Wang J, Pham V, Mobbs JI, Belousoff MJ, Bhattarai A, Burger WAC, Thompson G, Yeasmin M, Nawaratne V, Leach K, van der Westhuizen ET, Khajehali E, Liang YL, Glukhova A, Wootten D, Lindsley CW, Tobin A, Sexton P, Danev R, Valant C, Miao Y, Christopoulos A, Thal DM. Pharmacological hallmarks of allostery at the M4 muscarinic receptor elucidated through structure and dynamics. eLife 2023; 12:83477. [PMID: 37248726 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a major paradigm in drug discovery. Despite decades of research, a molecular-level understanding of the general principles that govern the myriad pharmacological effects exerted by GPCR allosteric modulators remains limited. The M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M4 mAChR) is a validated and clinically relevant allosteric drug target for several major psychiatric and cognitive disorders. In this study, we rigorously quantified the affinity, efficacy, and magnitude of modulation of two different positive allosteric modulators, LY2033298 (LY298) and VU0467154 (VU154), combined with the endogenous agonist acetylcholine (ACh) or the high-affinity agonist iperoxo (Ipx), at the human M4 mAChR. By determining the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the M4 mAChR, bound to a cognate Gi1 protein and in complex with ACh, Ipx, LY298-Ipx, and VU154-Ipx, and applying molecular dynamics simulations, we determine key molecular mechanisms underlying allosteric pharmacology. In addition to delineating the contribution of spatially distinct binding sites on observed pharmacology, our findings also revealed a vital role for orthosteric and allosteric ligand-receptor-transducer complex stability, mediated by conformational dynamics between these sites, in the ultimate determination of affinity, efficacy, cooperativity, probe dependence, and species variability. There results provide a holistic framework for further GPCR mechanistic studies and can aid in the discovery and design of future allosteric drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziva Vuckovic
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jinan Wang
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States
| | - Vi Pham
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jesse I Mobbs
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew J Belousoff
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Apurba Bhattarai
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States
| | - Wessel A C Burger
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Geoff Thompson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mahmuda Yeasmin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Vindhya Nawaratne
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Katie Leach
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Emma T van der Westhuizen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Elham Khajehali
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yi-Lynn Liang
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alisa Glukhova
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Denise Wootten
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery and Department of Chemistry, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States
| | - Andrew Tobin
- The Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Advanced Research Centre (ARC), College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Radostin Danev
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yinglong Miao
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, United States
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - David M Thal
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
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13
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Han J, Zhang J, Nazarova AL, Bernhard SM, Krumm BE, Zhao L, Lam JH, Rangari VA, Majumdar S, Nichols DE, Katritch V, Yuan P, Fay JF, Che T. Ligand and G-protein selectivity in the κ-opioid receptor. Nature 2023; 617:417-425. [PMID: 37138078 PMCID: PMC10172140 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) represents a highly desirable therapeutic target for treating not only pain but also addiction and affective disorders1. However, the development of KOR analgesics has been hindered by the associated hallucinogenic side effects2. The initiation of KOR signalling requires the Gi/o-family proteins including the conventional (Gi1, Gi2, Gi3, GoA and GoB) and nonconventional (Gz and Gg) subtypes. How hallucinogens exert their actions through KOR and how KOR determines G-protein subtype selectivity are not well understood. Here we determined the active-state structures of KOR in a complex with multiple G-protein heterotrimers-Gi1, GoA, Gz and Gg-using cryo-electron microscopy. The KOR-G-protein complexes are bound to hallucinogenic salvinorins or highly selective KOR agonists. Comparisons of these structures reveal molecular determinants critical for KOR-G-protein interactions as well as key elements governing Gi/o-family subtype selectivity and KOR ligand selectivity. Furthermore, the four G-protein subtypes display an intrinsically different binding affinity and allosteric activity on agonist binding at KOR. These results provide insights into the actions of opioids and G-protein-coupling specificity at KOR and establish a foundation to examine the therapeutic potential of pathway-selective agonists of KOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonina L Nazarova
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Bernhard
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jordy Homing Lam
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vipin A Rangari
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - David E Nichols
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for New Technologies in Drug Discovery and Development, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Washington University Pain Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
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14
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Li H, Urs NM, Horenstein N. Computational insights into ligand-induced G protein and β-arrestin signaling of the dopamine D1 receptor. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:227-244. [PMID: 37060492 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-023-00503-7] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), is a class A G protein coupled-receptor (GPCR) which has been a promising drug target for psychiatric and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies have suggested that therapeutic effects can be realized by targeting the β-arrestin signaling pathway of dopamine receptors, while overactivation of the G protein-dependent pathways leads to side effects, such as dyskinesias. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a D1R ligand that selectively regulates the β-arrestin pathway. Currently, most D1R agonists are signaling-balanced and stimulate both G protein and β-arrestin pathways, with a few reports of G protein biased ligands. However, identification and characterization of β-arrestin biased D1R agonists has been a challenge thus far. In this study, we implemented Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations to provide valuable computational insights into the possible underlying molecular mechanism of the different signaling properties of two catechol and two non-catechol D1R agonists that are either G protein biased or signaling-balanced. Dynamic network analysis further identified critical residues in the allosteric signaling network of D1R for each ligand at different conformational or binding states. Some of these residues are crucial for G protein or arrestin signals of GPCRs based on previous studies. Finally, we provided a molecular design strategy which can be utilized by medicinal chemists to develop potential β-arrestin biased D1R ligands. The proposed hypotheses are experimentally testable and can guide the development of safer and more effective medications for a variety of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxi Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Nikhil M Urs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Nicole Horenstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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15
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Huong Bui DL, Roach A, Li J, Bandekar SJ, Orput E, Raghavan R, Araç D, Sando R. The adhesion GPCRs CELSR1-3 and LPHN3 engage G proteins via distinct activation mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.02.535287. [PMID: 37066404 PMCID: PMC10103989 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.02.535287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs) are a large GPCR class that direct diverse fundamental biological processes. One prominent mechanism for aGPCR agonism involves autoproteolytic cleavage, which generates an activating, membrane-proximal tethered agonist (TA). How universal this mechanism is for all aGPCRs is unclear. Here, we investigate G protein induction principles of aGPCRs using mammalian LPHN3 and CELSR1-3, members of two aGPCR families conserved from invertebrates to vertebrates. LPHNs and CELSRs mediate fundamental aspects of brain development, yet CELSR signaling mechanisms are unknown. We found that CELSR1 and CELSR3 are cleavage-deficient, while CELSR2 is efficiently cleaved. Despite differential autoproteolysis, CELSR1-3 all engage GαS, and CELSR1 or CELSR3 TA point mutants retain GαS coupling activity. CELSR2 autoproteolysis enhances GαS coupling, yet acute TA exposure alone is insufficient. These studies support that aGPCRs signal via multiple paradigms and provide insights into CELSR biological function.
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16
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Shpakov AO. Allosteric Regulation of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: From Diversity of Molecular Mechanisms to Multiple Allosteric Sites and Their Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6187. [PMID: 37047169 PMCID: PMC10094638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric regulation is critical for the functioning of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their signaling pathways. Endogenous allosteric regulators of GPCRs are simple ions, various biomolecules, and protein components of GPCR signaling (G proteins and β-arrestins). The stability and functional activity of GPCR complexes is also due to multicenter allosteric interactions between protomers. The complexity of allosteric effects caused by numerous regulators differing in structure, availability, and mechanisms of action predetermines the multiplicity and different topology of allosteric sites in GPCRs. These sites can be localized in extracellular loops; inside the transmembrane tunnel and in its upper and lower vestibules; in cytoplasmic loops; and on the outer, membrane-contacting surface of the transmembrane domain. They are involved in the regulation of basal and orthosteric agonist-stimulated receptor activity, biased agonism, GPCR-complex formation, and endocytosis. They are targets for a large number of synthetic allosteric regulators and modulators, including those constructed using molecular docking. The review is devoted to the principles and mechanisms of GPCRs allosteric regulation, the multiplicity of allosteric sites and their topology, and the endogenous and synthetic allosteric regulators, including autoantibodies and pepducins. The allosteric regulation of chemokine receptors, proteinase-activated receptors, thyroid-stimulating and luteinizing hormone receptors, and beta-adrenergic receptors are described in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
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17
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El Daibani A, Paggi JM, Kim K, Laloudakis YD, Popov P, Bernhard SM, Krumm BE, Olsen RHJ, Diberto J, Carroll FI, Katritch V, Wünsch B, Dror RO, Che T. Molecular mechanism of biased signaling at the kappa opioid receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1338. [PMID: 36906681 PMCID: PMC10008561 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has emerged as an attractive drug target for pain management without addiction, and biased signaling through particular pathways of KOR may be key to maintaining this benefit while minimizing side-effect liabilities. As for most G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), however, the molecular mechanisms of ligand-specific signaling at KOR have remained unclear. To better understand the molecular determinants of KOR signaling bias, we apply structure determination, atomic-level molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and functional assays. We determine a crystal structure of KOR bound to the G protein-biased agonist nalfurafine, the first approved KOR-targeting drug. We also identify an arrestin-biased KOR agonist, WMS-X600. Using MD simulations of KOR bound to nalfurafine, WMS-X600, and a balanced agonist U50,488, we identify three active-state receptor conformations, including one that appears to favor arrestin signaling over G protein signaling and another that appears to favor G protein signaling over arrestin signaling. These results, combined with mutagenesis validation, provide a molecular explanation of how agonists achieve biased signaling at KOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal El Daibani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph M Paggi
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kuglae Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Petr Popov
- iMolecule, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sarah M Bernhard
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Reid H J Olsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey Diberto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Ron O Dror
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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18
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Konda Mani S, Thiyagarajan R, Yli-Harja O, Kandhavelu M, Murugesan A. Structural analysis of human G-protein-coupled receptor 17 ligand binding sites. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:533-544. [PMID: 36791278 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30388] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The human G protein coupled membrane receptor (GPR17), the sensor of brain damage, is identified as a biomarker for many neurological diseases. In human brain tissue, GPR17 exist in two isoforms, long and short. While cryo-electron microscopy technology has provided the structure of the long isoform of GPR17 with Gi complex, the structure of the short isoform and its activation mechanism remains unclear. Recently, we theoretically modeled the structure of the short isoform of GPR17 with Gi signaling protein and identified novel ligands. In the present work, we demonstrated the presence of two distinct ligand binding sites in the short isoform of GPR17. The molecular docking of GPR17 with endogenous (UDP) and synthetic ligands (T0510.3657, MDL29950) found the presence of two distinct binding pockets. Our observations revealed that endogenous ligand UDP can bind stronger in two different binding pockets as evidenced by glide and autodock vina scores, whereas the other two ligand's binding with GPR17 has less docking score. The analysis of receptor-UDP interactions shows complexes' stability in the lipid environment by 100 ns atomic molecular dynamics simulations. The amino acid residues VAL83, ARG87, and PHE111 constitute ligand binding site 1, whereas site 2 constitutes ASN67, ARG129, and LYS232. Root mean square fluctuation analysis showed the residues 83, 87, and 232 with higher fluctuations during molecular dynamics simulation in both binding pockets. Our findings imply that the residues of GPR17's two binding sites are crucial, and their interaction with UDP reveals the protein's hidden signaling and communication properties. Furthermore, this finding may assist in the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Konda Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Ramesh Thiyagarajan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Olli Yli-Harja
- Computaional Systems Biology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meenakshisundaram Kandhavelu
- Molecular Signaling Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,BioMeditech and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Akshaya Murugesan
- BioMeditech and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Biotechnology, Lady Doak College, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
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19
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Ullo MF, Case LB. How cells sense and integrate information from different sources. WIREs Mech Dis 2023:e1604. [PMID: 36781396 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1604] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell signaling is a fundamental cellular process that enables cells to sense and respond to information in their surroundings. At the molecular level, signaling is primarily carried out by transmembrane protein receptors that can initiate complex downstream signal transduction cascades to alter cellular behavior. In the human body, different cells can be exposed to a wide variety of environmental conditions, and cells express diverse classes of receptors capable of sensing and integrating different signals. Furthermore, different receptors and signaling pathways can crosstalk with each other to calibrate the cellular response. Crosstalk occurs through multiple mechanisms at different levels of signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss how cells sense and integrate different chemical, mechanical, and spatial signals as well as the mechanisms of crosstalk between pathways. To illustrate these concepts, we use a few well-studied signaling pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinases and integrin receptors. Finally, we discuss the implications of dysregulated cellular sensing on driving diseases such as cancer. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Ullo
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Sánchez MF, Tampé R. Ligand-independent receptor clustering modulates transmembrane signaling: a new paradigm. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:156-171. [PMID: 36115755 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.08.002] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-surface receptors mediate communication between cells and their environment. Lateral membrane organization and dynamic receptor cluster formation are fundamental in signal transduction and cell signaling. However, it is not yet fully understood how receptor clustering modulates a wide variety of physiologically relevant processes. Recent growing evidence indicates that biological responses triggered by membrane receptors can be modulated even in the absence of the natural receptor ligand. We review the most recent findings on how ligand-independent receptor clustering can regulate transmembrane signaling. We discuss the latest technologies to control receptor assembly, such as DNA nanotechnology, optogenetics, and optochemistry, focusing on the biological relevance and unraveling of ligand-independent signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Florencia Sánchez
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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21
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Armando I, Cuevas S, Fan C, Kumar M, Izzi Z, Jose PA, Konkalmatt PR. G Protein-Coupled Receptor 37L1 Modulates Epigenetic Changes in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214456. [PMID: 36430934 PMCID: PMC9698582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal luminal sodium transport is essential for physiological blood pressure control, and abnormalities in this process are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Renal G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are critical for the regulation of the reabsorption of essential nutrients, ions, and water from the glomerular filtrate. Recently, we showed that GPCR 37L1 (GPR37L1) is expressed on the apical membrane of renal proximal tubules (RPT) and regulates luminal sodium transport and blood pressure by modulating the function of the sodium proton exchanger 3 (NHE3). However, little is known about GPR37L1 intracellular signaling. Here, we show that GPR37L1 is localized to the nuclear membrane, in addition to the plasma membrane in human RPT cells. Furthermore, GPR37L1 signals via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to decrease the expression of DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and enhance NHE3 transcription. Overall, we demonstrate the direct role of a nuclear membrane GPCR in the regulation of renal sodium through epigenetic gene regulation.
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22
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Hofmann L, Ruthstein S. EPR Spectroscopy Provides New Insights into Complex Biological Reaction Mechanisms. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7486-7494. [PMID: 36137278 PMCID: PMC9549461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c05235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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In the last 20 years, the use of electron paramagnetic
resonance
(EPR) has made a pronounced and lasting impact in the field of structural
biology. The advantage of EPR spectroscopy over other structural techniques
is its ability to target even minor conformational changes in any
biomolecule or macromolecular complex, independent of its size or
complexity, or whether it is in solution or in the cell during a biological
or chemical reaction. Here, we focus on the use of EPR spectroscopy
to study transmembrane transport and transcription mechanisms. We
discuss experimental and analytical concerns when referring to studies
of two biological reaction mechanisms, namely, transfer of copper
ions by the human copper transporter hCtr1 and the mechanism of action
of the Escherichia coli copper-dependent
transcription factor CueR. Last, we elaborate on future avenues in
the field of EPR structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Sharon Ruthstein
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
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23
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Steinberg SF, Booz GW. G Protein-Coupled Receptors-Receptors With New Tricks Up Their Sleeves. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 80:325-327. [PMID: 35853195 PMCID: PMC9452452 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - George W. Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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24
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Gq Signaling in Autophagy Control: Between Chemical and Mechanical Cues. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081599. [PMID: 36009317 PMCID: PMC9405508 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All processes in human physiology relies on homeostatic mechanisms which require the activation of specific control circuits to adapt the changes imposed by external stimuli. One of the critical modulators of homeostatic balance is autophagy, a catabolic process that is responsible of the destruction of long-lived proteins and organelles through a lysosome degradative pathway. Identification of the mechanism underlying autophagic flux is considered of great importance as both protective and detrimental functions are linked with deregulated autophagy. At the mechanistic and regulatory levels, autophagy is activated in response to diverse stress conditions (food deprivation, hyperthermia and hypoxia), even a novel perspective highlight the potential role of physical forces in autophagy modulation. To understand the crosstalk between all these controlling mechanisms could give us new clues about the specific contribution of autophagy in a wide range of diseases including vascular disorders, inflammation and cancer. Of note, any homeostatic control critically depends in at least two additional and poorly studied interdependent components: a receptor and its downstream effectors. Addressing the selective receptors involved in autophagy regulation is an open question and represents a new area of research in this field. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest and druggable targets membrane receptor protein superfamily. By exerting their action through G proteins, GPCRs play fundamental roles in the control of cellular homeostasis. Novel studies have shown Gαq, a subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, as a core modulator of mTORC1 and autophagy, suggesting a fundamental contribution of Gαq-coupled GPCRs mechanisms in the control of this homeostatic feedback loop. To address how GPCR-G proteins machinery integrates the response to different stresses including oxidative conditions and mechanical stimuli, could provide deeper insight into new signaling pathways and open potential and novel therapeutic strategies in the modulation of different pathological conditions.
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Ma X, Gao M, Vischer HF, Leurs R. A NanoBRET-Based H 3R Conformational Biosensor to Study Real-Time H 3 Receptor Pharmacology in Cell Membranes and Living Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158211. [PMID: 35897787 PMCID: PMC9332000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformational biosensors to monitor the activation state of G protein-coupled receptors are a useful addition to the molecular pharmacology assay toolbox to characterize ligand efficacy at the level of receptor proteins instead of downstream signaling. We recently reported the initial characterization of a NanoBRET-based conformational histamine H3 receptor (H3R) biosensor that allowed the detection of both (partial) agonism and inverse agonism on living cells in a microplate reader assay format upon stimulation with H3R ligands. In the current study, we have further characterized this H3R biosensor on intact cells by monitoring the effect of consecutive ligand injections in time and evaluating its compatibility with photopharmacological ligands that contain a light-sensitive azobenzene moiety for photo-switching. In addition, we have validated the H3R biosensor in membrane preparations and found that observed potency values better correlated with binding affinity values that were measured in radioligand competition binding assays on membranes. Hence, the H3R conformational biosensor in membranes might be a ready-to-use, high-throughput alternative for radioligand binding assays that in addition can also detect ligand efficacies with comparable values as the intact cell assay.
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Meqbil YJ, van Rijn RM. Opportunities and Challenges for In Silico Drug Discovery at Delta Opioid Receptors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070873. [PMID: 35890173 PMCID: PMC9324648 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The delta opioid receptor is a Gi-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with a broad expression pattern both in the central nervous system and the body. The receptor has been investigated as a potential target for a multitude of significant diseases including migraine, alcohol use disorder, ischemia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite multiple attempts, delta opioid receptor-selective molecules have not been translated into the clinic. Yet, the therapeutic promise of the delta opioid receptor remains and thus there is a need to identify novel delta opioid receptor ligands to be optimized and selected for clinical trials. Here, we highlight recent developments involving the delta opioid receptor, the closely related mu and kappa opioid receptors, and in the broader area of the GPCR drug discovery research. We focus on the validity and utility of the available delta opioid receptor structures. We also discuss the increased ability to perform ultra-large-scale docking studies on GPCRs, the rise in high-resolution cryo-EM structures, and the increased prevalence of machine learning and artificial intelligence in drug discovery. Overall, we pose that there are multiple opportunities to enable in silico drug discovery at the delta opioid receptor to identify novel delta opioid modulators potentially with unique pharmacological properties, such as biased signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazan J. Meqbil
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Richard M. van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue Institute for Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Septerna Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-765-494-6461
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