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Saito A, Alvi S, Valant C, Christopoulos A, Carbone SE, Poole DP. Therapeutic potential of allosteric modulators for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2232-2246. [PMID: 36565295 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility is tightly regulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS). Disruption of coordinated enteric nervous system activity can result in dysmotility. Pharmacological treatment options for dysmotility include targeting of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed by neurons of the enteric nervous system. Current GPCR-targeting drugs for motility disorders bind to the highly conserved endogenous ligand-binding site and promote indiscriminate activation or inhibition of the target receptor throughout the body. This can be associated with significant side-effect liability and a loss of physiological tone. Allosteric modulators of GPCRs bind to a distinct site from the endogenous ligand, which is typically less conserved across multiple receptor subtypes and can modulate endogenous ligand signalling. Allosteric modulation of GPCRs that are important for enteric nervous system function may provide effective relief from motility disorders while limiting side-effects. This review will focus on how allosteric modulators of GPCRs may influence gastrointestinal motility, using 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACh) and opioid receptors as examples. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayame Saito
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sadia Alvi
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simona E Carbone
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel P Poole
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Green HM, Yang L, Zhu X, Finlay DB, Duffull SB, Glass M. Insight into the mechanism of action of ORG27569 at the cannabinoid type one receptor utilising a unified mathematical model. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5105-5118. [PMID: 38227196 PMCID: PMC11166842 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02923-6] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of CB1 is therapeutically advantageous compared to orthosteric activation as it potentially offers reduced on-target adverse effects. ORG27569 is an allosteric modulator that increases orthosteric agonist binding to CB1 but decreases functional signalling. ORG27569 is characterised by a delay in disinhibition of agonist-induced cAMP inhibition (lag); however, the mechanism behind this kinetic lag is yet to be identified. We aimed to utilise a mathematical model to predict data and design in vitro experiments to elucidate mechanisms behind the unique signalling profile of ORG27569. The established kinetic ternary complex model includes the existence of a transitional state of CB1 bound to ORG27569 and CP55940 and was used to simulate kinetic cAMP data using NONMEM 7.4 and Matlab R2020b. These data were compared with empirical cAMP BRET data in HEK293 cells stably expressing hCB1. The pharmacometric model suggested that the kinetic lag in cAMP disinhibition by ORG27569 is caused by signal amplification in the cAMP assay and can be reduced by decreasing receptor number. This was confirmed experimentally, as reducing receptor number through agonist-induced internalisation resulted in a decreased kinetic lag by ORG27569. ORG27569 was found to have a similar interaction with CP55940 and the high efficacy agonist WIN55,212-2, and was suggested to have lower affinity for CB1 bound by the partial agonist THC compared to CP55940. Allosteric modulators have unique signalling profiles that are often difficult to interrogate exclusively in vitro. We have used a combined mathematical and in vitro approach to prove that ORG27569 causes a delay in disinhibition of agonist-induced cAMP inhibition due to large receptor reserve in this pathway. We also used the pharmacometric model to investigate the common phenomenon of probe dependence, to propose that ORG27569 binds with higher affinity to CB1 bound by high efficacy orthosteric agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley M Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Liang Yang
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Stephen B Duffull
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- , Certara, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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3
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Dodson H, Ramineni S, Kim E, Poklis JL, Lu D, Ignatowska-Jankowska BM, Lichtman AH, Fitting S. Cannabinoid receptor 1 positive allosteric modulator ZCZ011 shows differential effects on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305868. [PMID: 38913661 PMCID: PMC11195999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is a promising therapeutic target for various neurodegenerative diseases, including HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). However, the therapeutic potential of CB1R by direct activation is limited due to its psychoactive side effects. Therefore, research has focused on indirectly activating the CB1R by utilizing positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Studies have shown that CB1R PAMs (ZCZ011 and GAT211) are effective in mouse models of Huntington's disease and neuropathic pain, and hence, we assess the therapeutic potential of ZCZ011 in a well-established mouse model of neuroHIV. The current study investigates the effect of chronic ZCZ011 treatment (14 days) on various behavioral paradigms and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. Chronic ZCZ011 treatment (10 mg/kg) did not alter body mass, locomotor activity, or anxiety-like behavior regardless of sex or genotype. However, differential effects were noted in hot plate latency, motor coordination, and recognition memory in female mice only, with ZCZ011 treatment increasing hot plate latency and improving motor coordination and recognition memory. Only minor effects or no alterations were seen in the endocannabinoid system and related lipids except in the cerebellum, where the effect of ZCZ011 was more pronounced in female mice. Moreover, AEA and PEA levels in the cerebellum were positively correlated with improved motor coordination in female mice. In summary, these findings indicate that chronic ZCZ011 treatment has differential effects on antinociception, motor coordination, and memory, based on sex and HIV-1 Tat expression, making CB1R PAMs potential treatment options for HAND without the psychoactive side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hailey Dodson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shreya Ramineni
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Kim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Dai Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A&M, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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4
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Kenakin T. Know your molecule: pharmacological characterization of drug candidates to enhance efficacy and reduce late-stage attrition. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-00958-9. [PMID: 38890494 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in chemical, computational and biological sciences, the rate of attrition of drug candidates in clinical development is still high. A key point in the small-molecule discovery process that could provide opportunities to help address this challenge is the pharmacological characterization of hit and lead compounds, culminating in the selection of a drug candidate. Deeper characterization is increasingly important, because the 'quality' of drug efficacy, at least for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is now understood to be much more than activation of commonly evaluated pathways such as cAMP signalling, with many more 'efficacies' of ligands that could be harnessed therapeutically. Such characterization is being enabled by novel assays to characterize the complex behaviour of GPCRs, such as biased signalling and allosteric modulation, as well as advances in structural biology, such as cryo-electron microscopy. This article discusses key factors in the assessments of the pharmacology of hit and lead compounds in the context of GPCRs as a target class, highlighting opportunities to identify drug candidates with the potential to address limitations of current therapies and to improve the probability of them succeeding in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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5
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Green HM, Manning JJ, Greig IR, Ross RA, Finlay DB, Glass M. Positive allosteric modulation of the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor potentiates endocannabinoid signalling and changes ERK1/2 phosphorylation kinetics. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38831545 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16433] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Activation of CB1 by exogenous agonists causes adverse effects in vivo. Positive allosteric modulation may offer improved therapeutic potential and a reduced on-target adverse effect profile compared with orthosteric agonists, due to reduced desensitisation/tolerance, but this has not been directly tested. This study investigated the ability of PAMs/ago-PAMs to induce receptor regulation pathways, including desensitisation and receptor internalisation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays in HEK293 cells were performed to investigate G protein dissociation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and β-arrestin 2 translocation, while immunocytochemistry was performed to measure internalisation of CB1 in response to the PAMs ZCZ011, GAT229 and ABD1236 alone and in combination with the orthosteric agonists AEA, 2-AG, and AMB-FUBINACA. KEY RESULTS ZCZ011, GAT229 and ABD1236 were allosteric agonists in all pathways tested. The ago-PAM ZCZ011 induced a biphasic ERK1/2 phosphorylation time course compared to transient activation by orthosteric agonists. In combination with 2-AG but not AEA or AMB-FUBINACA, ZCZ011 and ABD1236 caused the transient peak of ERK1/2 phosphorylation to become sustained. All PAMs increased the potency and efficacy of AEA-induced signalling in all pathways tested; however, no notable potentiation of 2-AG or AMB-FUBINACA was observed. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Ago-PAMs can potentiate endocannabinoid CB1 agonism by AEA to a larger extent compared with 2-AG. However, all compounds were found to be allosteric agonists and induce activation of CB1 in the absence of endocannabinoid, including β-arrestin 2 recruitment and internalisation. Thus, the spatiotemporal signalling of endogenous cannabinoids will not be retained in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley M Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jamie J Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ian R Greig
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ruth A Ross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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6
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Watts SW, Townsend RR, Neubig RR. How New Developments in Pharmacology Receptor Theory Are Changing (Our Understanding of) Hypertension Therapy. Am J Hypertens 2024; 37:248-260. [PMID: 38150382 PMCID: PMC10941088 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpad121] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many hypertension therapeutics were developed prior to major advances in drug receptor theory. Moreover, newer drugs may take advantage of some of the newly understood modalities of receptor function. GOAL The goal of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of drug receptor theory. This is followed by a discussion of the drug classes recognized for treating hypertension to which new concepts in receptor theory apply. RESULTS We raise ideas for mechanisms of potential new antihypertensive drugs and whether they may take advantage of new theories in drug-receptor interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-131, USA
| | - Raymond R Townsend
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-131, USA
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Kenakin T. Allostery: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:110-120. [PMID: 37918859 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of functional screening, more allosteric molecules are being discovered and developed as possible therapeutic entities. Allosteric proteins are unique because of two specific properties: 1) separate binding sites for allosteric modulators and guests and 2) mandatory alteration of receptor conformation upon binding of allosteric modulators. For G protein-coupled receptors, these properties produce many beneficial effects on pharmacologic systems that are described here. Allosteric discovery campaigns also bring with them added considerations that must be addressed for the endeavor to be successful, and these are described herein as well. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Recent years have seen the increasing presence of allosteric molecules as possible therapeutic drug candidates. The scientific procedures to characterize these are unique and require special techniques, so it is imperative that scientists understand the new concepts involved in allosteric function. This review examines the reasons why allosteric molecules should be considered as new drug entities and the techniques required to optimize the discovery process for allosteric molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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8
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Zhu C, Lan X, Wei Z, Yu J, Zhang J. Allosteric modulation of G protein-coupled receptors as a novel therapeutic strategy in neuropathic pain. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:67-86. [PMID: 38239234 PMCID: PMC10792987 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating pathological condition that presents significant therapeutic challenges in clinical practice. Unfortunately, current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain lack clinical efficacy and often lead to harmful adverse reactions. As G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are widely distributed throughout the body, including the pain transmission pathway and descending inhibition pathway, the development of novel neuropathic pain treatments based on GPCRs allosteric modulation theory is gaining momentum. Extensive research has shown that allosteric modulators targeting GPCRs on the pain pathway can effectively alleviate symptoms of neuropathic pain while reducing or eliminating adverse effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the progress made in GPCRs allosteric modulators in the treatment of neuropathic pain, and discuss the potential benefits and adverse factors of this treatment. We will also concentrate on the development of biased agonists of GPCRs, and based on important examples of biased agonist development in recent years, we will describe universal strategies for designing structure-based biased agonists. It is foreseeable that, with the continuous improvement of GPCRs allosteric modulation and biased agonist theory, effective GPCRs allosteric drugs will eventually be available for the treatment of neuropathic pain with acceptable safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhao Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wei
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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9
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Yang L, Zhu X, Finlay DB, Green H, Glass M, Duffull SB. A kinetic model for positive allosteric modulator (PAM)-antagonists for the type 1 cannabinoid (CB 1 ) receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2661-2676. [PMID: 37277184 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cannabinoid (CB1 ) receptor is among the most abundant G protein-coupled receptors in brain. Allosteric ligands bind to a different site on receptors than the orthosteric ligand can have effects that are unique to the allosteric ligand and modulate orthosteric ligand activity. We propose a unified mathematical model describing the interaction effects of the allosteric ligand Org27569 and the orthosteric agonist CP55940 on CB1 receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A ternary complex model was constructed, which incorporated kinetic properties to describe the time course of effects of Org27569 and CP55940 reported in the literature: (i) enhanced receptor binding of CP55940, (ii) reduced internalisation and (iii), time-dependent modulation of cAMP. Underlying mechanisms of time-dependent modulation by Org27569 were evaluated by simulation. KEY RESULTS A hypothetical transitional state of CP55940-CB1 -Org27569, which can internalise but cannot inhibit cAMP, was shown to be necessary and was sufficient to describe the allosteric modulation by Org27569, prior to receptors adopting an inactive conformation. The model indicated that the formation of this transitional CP55940-CB1 -Org27569 state and final inactive CP55940-CB1 -Org27569 state contributes to the enhanced CP55940 binding. The inactive CP55940-CB1 -Org27569 cannot internalise or inhibit cAMP, leading to reduced internalisation and cessation of cAMP inhibition. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In conclusion, a kinetic mathematical model for CB1 receptor allosteric modulation was developed. However, a standard ternary complex model was not sufficient to capture the data and a hypothetical transitional state was required to describe the allosteric modulation properties of Org27569.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yang
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hayley Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephen B Duffull
- Otago Pharmacometrics Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Certara, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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10
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Stalewski J, Shih AY, Papazyan R, Ramirez J, Ibanez G, Hsiao P, Yue Y, Yin J, Badger C, Wu S, Ueki A, Fuchs BC, Rives ML. pH Dependence of a GPR4 Selective Antagonist Hampers Its Therapeutic Potential. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 386:35-44. [PMID: 37142444 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is associated with extracellular acidification of mucosal tissue. Several extracellular pH-sensing receptors, including G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4), play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory and immune responses, and GPR4 deficiency has been shown to be protective in IBD animal models. To confirm the therapeutic potential of GPR4 antagonism in IBD, we tested Compound 13, a selective GPR4 antagonist, in the interleukin 10-/- mouse model of colitis. Despite good exposures and albeit there was a trend toward improvement for a few readouts, Compound 13 treatment did not improve colitis in this model, and there were no signs of target engagement. Interestingly, Compound 13 behaved as an "orthosteric" antagonist, i.e., its potency was pH dependent and mostly inactive at pH levels lower than 6.8 with preferential binding to the inactive conformation of GPR4. Mutagenesis studies confirmed Compound 13 likely binds to the conserved orthosteric binding site in G protein-coupled receptors, where a histidine sits in GPR4 likely preventing Compound 13 binding when protonated in acidic conditions. While the exact mucosal pH in the human disease and relevant IBD mice models is unknown, it is well established that the degree of acidosis is positively correlated with the degree of inflammation, suggesting Compound 13 is not an ideal tool to study the role of GPR4 in moderate to severe inflammatory conditions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Compound 13, a reported selective GPR4 antagonist, has been widely used to assess the therapeutic potential of GPR4, a pH-sensing receptor, for numerous indications. Its pH dependence and mechanism of inhibition identified in this study clearly highlights the limitations of this chemotype for target validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Stalewski
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Amy Y Shih
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Romeo Papazyan
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Jocelyn Ramirez
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Gerardo Ibanez
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Peng Hsiao
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Yong Yue
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Jun Yin
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Calen Badger
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Shije Wu
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Akemi Ueki
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Bryan C Fuchs
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
| | - Marie-Laure Rives
- Departments of Chemistry (J.S.); Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (A.Y.S.); Gastroenterology (R.P., B.C.F.); Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology-Target Validation and Functional Genomics (J.R., M.-L.R.); In Vivo Pharmacology (G.I.); DMPK (P.H.); Computational Biology (Y.Y., J.Y., C.B.), Ferring Research Institute Inc., San Diego, California; and Biosensing Instrument, Tempe, Arizona (S.W., A.U.)
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11
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Xu X, Shonberg J, Kaindl J, Clark MJ, Stößel A, Maul L, Mayer D, Hübner H, Hirata K, Venkatakrishnan AJ, Dror RO, Kobilka BK, Sunahara RK, Liu X, Gmeiner P. Constrained catecholamines gain β 2AR selectivity through allosteric effects on pocket dynamics. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2138. [PMID: 37059717 PMCID: PMC10104803 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37808-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) within the same subfamily often share high homology in their orthosteric pocket and therefore pose challenges to drug development. The amino acids that form the orthosteric binding pocket for epinephrine and norepinephrine in the β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors (β1AR and β2AR) are identical. Here, to examine the effect of conformational restriction on ligand binding kinetics, we synthesized a constrained form of epinephrine. Surprisingly, the constrained epinephrine exhibits over 100-fold selectivity for the β2AR over the β1AR. We provide evidence that the selectivity may be due to reduced ligand flexibility that enhances the association rate for the β2AR, as well as a less stable binding pocket for constrained epinephrine in the β1AR. The differences in the amino acid sequence of the extracellular vestibule of the β1AR allosterically alter the shape and stability of the binding pocket, resulting in a marked difference in affinity compared to the β2AR. These studies suggest that for receptors containing identical binding pocket residues, the binding selectivity may be influenced in an allosteric manner by surrounding residues, like those of the extracellular loops (ECLs) that form the vestibule. Exploiting these allosteric influences may facilitate the development of more subtype-selective ligands for GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Xu
- State Key laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jeremy Shonberg
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jonas Kaindl
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mary J Clark
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Anne Stößel
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luis Maul
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel Mayer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kunio Hirata
- Advanced Photon Technology Division, Research Infrastructure Group, SR Life Science Instrumentation Unit, RIKEN/SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto Sayo-cho Sayo-gun, Hyogo, 679-5148, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - A J Venkatakrishnan
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ron O Dror
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Brian K Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Roger K Sunahara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA.
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- State Key laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Straße 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
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12
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Krumm BE, DiBerto JF, Olsen RHJ, Kang HJ, Slocum ST, Zhang S, Strachan RT, Huang XP, Slosky LM, Pinkerton AB, Barak LS, Caron MG, Kenakin T, Fay JF, Roth BL. Neurotensin Receptor Allosterism Revealed in Complex with a Biased Allosteric Modulator. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1233-1248. [PMID: 36917754 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The NTSR1 neurotensin receptor (NTSR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) found in the brain and peripheral tissues with neurotensin (NTS) being its endogenous peptide ligand. In the brain, NTS modulates dopamine neuronal activity, induces opioid-independent analgesia, and regulates food intake. Recent studies indicate that biasing NTSR1 toward β-arrestin signaling can attenuate the actions of psychostimulants and other drugs of abuse. Here, we provide the cryoEM structures of NTSR1 ternary complexes with heterotrimeric Gq and GoA with and without the brain-penetrant small-molecule SBI-553. In functional studies, we discovered that SBI-553 displays complex allosteric actions exemplified by negative allosteric modulation for G proteins that are Gα subunit selective and positive allosteric modulation and agonism for β-arrestin translocation at NTSR1. Detailed structural analysis of the allosteric binding site illuminated the structural determinants for biased allosteric modulation of SBI-553 on NTSR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Jeffrey F DiBerto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Reid H J Olsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Hye Jin Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Samuel T Slocum
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Ryan T Strachan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Lauren M Slosky
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Anthony B Pinkerton
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lawrence S Barak
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Marc G Caron
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Departments of Medicine and Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
| | - Jonathan F Fay
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7365, United States
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7360, United States
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13
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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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14
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Díaz O, Renault P, Giraldo J. Evaluating Allosteric Perturbations in Cannabinoid Receptor 1 by In Silico Single-Point Mutation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:37873-37884. [PMID: 36312415 PMCID: PMC9608382 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a promising drug target involved in many physiological processes. Using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we examined the structural effect of F237L mutation on CB1, a mutation that has qualitatively similar effects to allosteric ligand ORG27569 binding. This mutation showed a global effect on CB1 conformations. Among the observed effects, TM6 outward movement and the conformational change of the NPxxY motif upon receptor activation by CB1 agonist CP55940 were hindered compared to wt CB1. Within the orthosteric binding site, CP55940 interactions with CB1 were altered. Our results revealed that allosteric perturbations introduced by the mutation had a global impact on receptor conformations, suggesting that the mutation site is a key region for allosteric modulation in CB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Díaz
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística
and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación
Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Unitat
de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari,
Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
(I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Pedro Renault
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística
and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación
Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Unitat
de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari,
Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
(I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory
of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística
and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
- Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación
Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Unitat
de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari,
Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
(I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
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15
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Brandt AL, Garai S, Zagzoog A, Hurst DP, Stevenson LA, Pertwee RG, Imler GH, Reggio PH, Thakur GA, Laprairie RB. Pharmacological evaluation of enantiomerically separated positive allosteric modulators of cannabinoid 1 receptor, GAT591 and GAT593. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919605. [PMID: 36386195 PMCID: PMC9640980 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulation of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) has substantial potential to treat both neurological and immune disorders. To date, a few studies have evaluated the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for CB1R positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). In this study, we separated the enantiomers of the previously characterized two potent CB1R ago-PAMs GAT591 and GAT593 to determine their biochemical activity at CB1R. Separating the enantiomers showed that the R-enantiomers (GAT1665 and GAT1667) displayed mixed allosteric agonist-PAM activity at CB1R while the S-enantiomers (GAT1664 and GAT1666) showed moderate activity. Furthermore, we observed that the R and S-enantiomers had distinct binding sites on CB1R, which led to their distinct behavior both in vitro and in vivo. The R-enantiomers (GAT1665 and GAT1667) produced ago-PAM effects in vitro, and PAM effects in the in vivo behavioral triad, indicating that the in vivo activity of these ligands may occur via PAM rather than agonist-based mechanisms. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insight into enantiospecific interaction of 2-phenylindole class of CB1R allosteric modulators, which have shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher L. Brandt
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Dow P. Hurst
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Lesley A. Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Roger G. Pertwee
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory H. Imler
- Centre for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patricia H. Reggio
- Center for Drug Discovery, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert B. Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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16
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Allosteric Antagonism of the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR): Current-State-of-the-Art and Prediction of Novel Allosteric Sites. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192974. [PMID: 36230936 PMCID: PMC9563780 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192974] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2) is a xenobiotic-activated transcription factor with high levels of expression in the liver. It not only plays a key role in drug metabolism and elimination, but also promotes tumor growth, drug resistance, and metabolic diseases. It has been proposed as a therapeutic target for type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease, and PXR antagonists have recently been considered as a therapy for colon cancer. There are currently no PXR antagonists that can be used in a clinical setting. Nevertheless, due to the large and complex ligand-binding pocket (LBP) of the PXR, it is challenging to discover PXR antagonists at the orthosteric site. Alternative ligand binding sites of the PXR have also been proposed and are currently being studied. Recently, the AF-2 allosteric binding site of the PXR has been identified, with several compounds modulating the site discovered. Herein, we aimed to summarize our current knowledge of allosteric modulation of the PXR as well as our attempt to unlock novel allosteric sites. We describe the novel binding function 3 (BF-3) site of PXR, which is also common for other nuclear receptors. In addition, we also mention a novel allosteric site III based on in silico prediction. The identified allosteric sites of the PXR provide new insights into the development of safe and efficient allosteric modulators of the PXR receptor. We therefore propose that novel PXR allosteric sites might be promising targets for treating chronic metabolic diseases and some cancers.
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17
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Olson KM, Campbell A, Alt A, Traynor JR. Finding the Perfect Fit: Conformational Biosensors to Determine the Efficacy of GPCR Ligands. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:694-709. [PMID: 36110374 PMCID: PMC9469492 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are highly druggable targets that adopt numerous conformations. A ligand's ability to stabilize specific conformation(s) of its cognate receptor determines its efficacy or ability to produce a biological response. Identifying ligands that produce different receptor conformations and potentially discrete pharmacological effects (e.g., biased agonists, partial agonists, antagonists, allosteric modulators) is a major goal in drug discovery and necessary to develop drugs with better effectiveness and fewer side effects. Fortunately, direct measurements of ligand efficacy, via receptor conformational changes are possible with the recent development of conformational biosensors. In this review, we discuss classical efficacy models, including the two-state model, the ternary-complex model, and multistate models. We describe how nanobody-, transducer-, and receptor-based conformational biosensors detect and/or stabilize specific GPCR conformations to identify ligands with different levels of efficacy. In particular, conformational biosensors provide the potential to identify and/or characterize therapeutically desirable but often difficult to measure conformations of receptors faster and better than current methods. For drug discovery/development, several recent proof-of-principle studies have optimized conformational biosensors for high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms. However, their widespread use is limited by the fact that few sensors are reliably capable of detecting low-frequency conformations and technically demanding assay conditions. Nonetheless, conformational biosensors do help identify desirable ligands such as allosteric modulators, biased ligands, or partial agonists in a single assay, representing a distinct advantage over classical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Andra Campbell
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United
States
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18
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Gay EA, Guan D, Van Voorhies K, Vasukuttan V, Mathews KM, Besheer J, Jin C. Discovery and Characterization of the First Nonpeptide Antagonists for the Relaxin-3/RXFP3 System. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7959-7974. [PMID: 35594150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide relaxin-3/RXFP3 system is involved in many important physiological processes such as stress responses, appetite control, and motivation for reward. To date, pharmacological studies of RXFP3 have been limited to peptide ligands. In this study, we report the discovery of the first small-molecule antagonists of RXFP3 through a high-throughput screening campaign. Focused structure-activity relationship studies of the hit compound resulted in RLX-33 (33) that was able to inhibit relaxin-3 activity in a battery of functional assays. RLX-33 is selective for RXFP3 over RXFP1 and RXFP4, two related members in the relaxin/insulin superfamily, and has favorable pharmacokinetic properties for behavioral assessment. When administered to rats intraperitoneally, RLX-33 blocked food intake induced by the RXFP3-selective agonist R3/I5. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that RLX-33 represents a promising antagonist scaffold for the development of drugs targeting the relaxin-3/RXFP3 system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Dongliang Guan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Kalynn Van Voorhies
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Vineetha Vasukuttan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Kelly M Mathews
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Chunyang Jin
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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19
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Finlay DB, Decker AM, Langston TL, Barrus D, Glass M, Li JX, Kenakin TP, Zhang Y. Development of 3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(phenethyl)urea Analogues as Allosteric Modulators of the Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor: RTICBM-189 is Brain Penetrant and Attenuates Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior. J Med Chem 2021; 65:257-270. [PMID: 34929081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
We have shown that CB1 receptor negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) attenuated the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviors in rats. In an effort to further define the structure-activity relationships and assess the druglike properties of the 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(phenethyl)urea-based CB1 NAMs that we recently reported, we introduced substituents of different electronic properties and sizes to the phenethyl group and evaluated their potency in CB1 calcium mobilization, cAMP, and GTPγS assays. We found that 3-position substitutions such as Cl, F, and Me afforded enhanced CB1 potency, whereas 4-position analogues were generally less potent. The 3-chloro analogue (31, RTICBM-189) showed no activity at >50 protein targets and excellent brain permeation but relatively low metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats confirmed the excellent brain exposure of 31 with a brain/plasma ratio Kp of 2.0. Importantly, intraperitoneal administration of 31 significantly and selectively attenuated the reinstatement of the cocaine-seeking behavior in rats without affecting locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tiffany L Langston
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Terry P Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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20
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Wang X, Liu D, Shen L, Li F, Li Y, Yang L, Xu T, Tao H, Yao D, Wu L, Hirata K, Bohn LM, Makriyannis A, Liu X, Hua T, Liu ZJ, Wang J. A Genetically Encoded F-19 NMR Probe Reveals the Allosteric Modulation Mechanism of Cannabinoid Receptor 1. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16320-16325. [PMID: 34596399 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to the lack of genetically encoded probes for fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F NMR), its utility for probing eukaryotic membrane protein dynamics is limited. Here we report an efficient method for the genetic incorporation of an unnatural amino acid (UAA), 3'-trifluoromenthyl-phenylalanine (mtfF), into cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the Baculovirus Expression System. The probe can be inserted at any environmentally sensitive site, while causing minimal structural perturbation to the target protein. Using 19F NMR and X-ray crystallography methods, we discovered that the allosteric modulator Org27569 and agonists synergistically stabilize a previously unrecognized pre-active state. An allosteric modulation model is proposed to explain Org27569's distinct behavior. We demonstrate that our site-specific 19F NMR labeling method is a powerful tool in decoding the mechanism of GPCR allosteric modulation. This new method should be broadly applicable for uncovering conformational states for many important eukaryotic membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ling Shen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fahui Li
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongze Li
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lingyun Yang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tiandan Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Houchao Tao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Deqiang Yao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - Laura M Bohn
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jiangyun Wang
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
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21
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Novel allosteric ligands of the angiotensin receptor AT1R as autoantibody blockers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019126118. [PMID: 34380734 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019126118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While orthosteric ligands of the angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) are available for clinical and research applications, allosteric ligands are not known for this important G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Allosteric ligands are useful tools to modulate receptor pharmacology and subtype selectivity. Here, we report AT1R allosteric ligands for a potential application to block autoimmune antibodies. The epitope of autoantibodies for AT1R is outside the orthosteric pocket in the extracellular loop 2. A molecular dynamics simulation study of AT1R structure reveals the presence of a druggable allosteric pocket encompassing the autoantibody epitope. Small molecule binders were then identified for this pocket using structure-based high-throughput virtual screening. The top 18 hits obtained inhibited the binding of antibody to AT1R and modulated agonist-induced calcium response of AT1R. Two compounds out of 18 studied in detail exerted a negative allosteric modulator effect on the functions of the natural agonist AngII. They blocked antibody-enhanced calcium response and reactive oxygen species production in vascular smooth muscle cells as well as AngII-induced constriction of blood vessels, demonstrating their efficacy in vivo. Our study thus demonstrates the feasibility of discovering inhibitors of the disease-causing autoantibodies for GPCRs. Specifically, for AT1R, we anticipate development of more potent allosteric drug candidates for intervention in autoimmune maladies such as preeclampsia, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and the rejection of organ transplants.
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22
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Ramesh K, Rosenbaum DM. Molecular basis for ligand modulation of the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:3487-3495. [PMID: 34265078 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is the most abundant G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in the central nervous system, which mediates the functional response to endocannabinoids and Cannabis compounds. A variety of ligands for CB1 receptors have been developed as promising drug candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders. New high-resolution structures of CB1 receptor in different functional states have significantly improved our molecular understanding of CB1 ligand interactions, selectivity, receptor activation and allosteric modulation. These advances have paved the way for development of novel ligands for different therapeutic applications. In this review, we describe the structural determinants for modulation of CB1 receptors by different types of ligands, as well as the differences between CB1 and its homologous, the CB2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ramesh
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel M Rosenbaum
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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23
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Manning JJ, Green HM, Glass M, Finlay DB. Pharmacological selection of cannabinoid receptor effectors: Signalling, allosteric modulation and bias. Neuropharmacology 2021; 193:108611. [PMID: 34000272 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is a promising drug target for a wide range of diseases. However, many existing and novel candidate ligands for CB1 have shown only limited therapeutic potential. Indeed, no ligands are currently approved for the clinic except formulations of the phytocannabinoids Δ9-THC and CBD and a small number of analogues. A key limitation of many promising CB1 ligands are their on-target adverse effects, notably including psychoactivity (agonists) and depression/suicidal ideation (inverse agonists). Recent drug development attempts have therefore focussed on altering CB1 signalling profiles in two ways. Firstly, with compounds that enhance or reduce the signalling of endogenous (endo-) cannabinoids, namely allosteric modulators. Secondly, with compounds that probe the capability of selectively targeting specific cellular signalling pathways that may mediate therapeutic effects using biased ligands. This review will summarise the current paradigm of CB1 signalling in terms of the intracellular transduction pathways acted on by the receptor. The development of compounds that selectively activate CB1 signalling pathways, whether allosterically or via orthosteric agonist bias, will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Manning
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Hayley M Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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24
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Decker AM, Finlay DB, Langston TL, Barrus D, Glass M, Harris DL, Zhang Y. Rational design of cannabinoid type-1 receptor allosteric modulators: Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 hybrids. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 41:116215. [PMID: 34015703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation offers an alternate approach to target the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) for therapeutic benefits. Examination of the two widely studied prototypic CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 revealed structural resemblance and similar structure-activity relationships (SARs). In silico docking and dynamics simulation studies using the crystal structure of CB1 co-bound with CP55,940 and Org27569 suggested that Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 occupied the same binding pocket and several common interactions were present in both series with the CB1 receptor. A new scaffold was therefore designed by merging the key structural features from the two series and the hybrids retained these binding features in the in silico docking studies. In addition, one such hybrid displayed similar functions to Org27569 in dynamic simulations by preserving a key R2143.50-D3386.30 salt bridge and maintaining an antagonist-like Helix3-Helix6 interhelical distance. Based on these results, a series of hybrids were synthesized and assessed in calcium mobilization, [35S]GTPγS binding and cAMP assays. Several compounds displayed comparable potencies to Org27569 and PSNCBAM-1 in these assays. This work offers new insight of the SAR requirement at the allosteric site of the CB1 receptor and provides a new scaffold that can be optimized for the development of future CB1 allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - David B Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | | | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Danni L Harris
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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25
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Slosky LM, Caron MG, Barak LS. Biased Allosteric Modulators: New Frontiers in GPCR Drug Discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:283-299. [PMID: 33581873 PMCID: PMC9797227 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of cell surface receptors in the genome and the most successful family of targets of FDA-approved drugs. New frontiers in GPCR drug discovery remain, however, as achieving receptor subtype selectivity and controlling off- and on-target side effects are not always possible with classic agonist and antagonist ligands. These challenges may be overcome by focusing development efforts on allosteric ligands that confer signaling bias. Biased allosteric modulators (BAMs) are an emerging class of GPCR ligands that engage less well-conserved regulatory motifs outside the orthosteric pocket and exert pathway-specific effects on receptor signaling. The unique ways that BAMs texturize receptor signaling present opportunities to fine-tune physiology and develop safer, more selective therapeutics. Here, we provide a conceptual framework for understanding the pharmacology of BAMs, explore their therapeutic potential, and discuss strategies for their discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Slosky
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Marc G. Caron
- Departments of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Correspondence: (L.S.B.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Lawrence S. Barak
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Correspondence: (L.S.B.); (M.G.C.)
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26
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Grundmann M, Bender E, Schamberger J, Eitner F. Pharmacology of Free Fatty Acid Receptors and Their Allosteric Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041763. [PMID: 33578942 PMCID: PMC7916689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological function of free fatty acids (FFAs) has long been regarded as indirect in terms of their activities as educts and products in metabolic pathways. The observation that FFAs can also act as signaling molecules at FFA receptors (FFARs), a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), has changed the understanding of the interplay of metabolites and host responses. Free fatty acids of different chain lengths and saturation statuses activate FFARs as endogenous agonists via binding at the orthosteric receptor site. After FFAR deorphanization, researchers from the pharmaceutical industry as well as academia have identified several ligands targeting allosteric sites of FFARs with the aim of developing drugs to treat various diseases such as metabolic, (auto)inflammatory, infectious, endocrinological, cardiovascular, and renal disorders. GPCRs are the largest group of transmembrane proteins and constitute the most successful drug targets in medical history. To leverage the rich biology of this target class, the drug industry seeks alternative approaches to address GPCR signaling. Allosteric GPCR ligands are recognized as attractive modalities because of their auspicious pharmacological profiles compared to orthosteric ligands. While the majority of marketed GPCR drugs interact exclusively with the orthosteric binding site, allosteric mechanisms in GPCR biology stay medically underexploited, with only several allosteric ligands currently approved. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the biology of FFAR1 (GPR40), FFAR2 (GPR43), FFAR3 (GPR41), FFAR4 (GPR120), and GPR84, including structural aspects of FFAR1, and discusses the molecular pharmacology of FFAR allosteric ligands as well as the opportunities and challenges in research from the perspective of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Grundmann
- Research and Early Development, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Eckhard Bender
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; (E.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Jens Schamberger
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; (E.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Frank Eitner
- Research and Early Development, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany;
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27
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28
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Reyes-Alcaraz A, Y. Lucero Garcia-Rojas E, A. Bond R, K. McConnell B. Allosteric Modulators for GPCRs as a Therapeutic Alternative with High Potential in Drug Discovery. Mol Pharmacol 2020. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.91838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) consists of biological microprocessors that can activate multiple signaling pathways. Most GPCRs have an orthosteric pocket where the endogenous ligand(s) typically binds. Conversely, allosteric ligands bind to GPCRs at sites that are distinct from the orthosteric binding region and they modulate the response elicited by the endogenous ligand. Allosteric ligands can also switch the response of a GPCR after ligand binding to a unique signaling pathway, these ligands are termed biased allosteric modulators. Thus, the development of allosteric ligands opens new and multiple ways in which the signaling pathways of GPCRs can be manipulated for potential therapeutic benefit. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which allosteric ligands modulate the effects of endogenous ligands have provided new insights into the interactions between allosteric ligands and GPCRs. These new findings have a high potential to improve drug discovery and development and, therefore, creating the need for better screening methods for allosteric drugs to increase the chances of success in the development of allosteric modulators as lead clinical compounds.
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29
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Fasciani I, Petragnano F, Aloisi G, Marampon F, Carli M, Scarselli M, Maggio R, Rossi M. Allosteric Modulators of G Protein-Coupled Dopamine and Serotonin Receptors: A New Class of Atypical Antipsychotics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13110388. [PMID: 33202534 PMCID: PMC7696972 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia was first described by Emil Krapelin in the 19th century as one of the major mental illnesses causing disability worldwide. Since the introduction of chlorpromazine in 1952, strategies aimed at modifying the activity of dopamine receptors have played a major role for the treatment of schizophrenia. The introduction of atypical antipsychotics with clozapine broadened the range of potential targets for the treatment of this psychiatric disease, as they also modify the activity of the serotoninergic receptors. Interestingly, all marketed drugs for schizophrenia bind to the orthosteric binding pocket of the receptor as competitive antagonists or partial agonists. In recent years, a strong effort to develop allosteric modulators as potential therapeutic agents for schizophrenia was made, mainly for the several advantages in their use. In particular, the allosteric binding sites are topographically distinct from the orthosteric pockets, and thus drugs targeting these sites have a higher degree of receptor subunit specificity. Moreover, “pure” allosteric modulators maintain the temporal and spatial fidelity of native orthosteric ligand. Furthermore, allosteric modulators have a “ceiling effect”, and their modulatory effect is saturated above certain concentrations. In this review, we summarize the progresses made in the identification of allosteric drugs for dopamine and serotonin receptors, which could lead to a new generation of atypical antipsychotics with a better profile, especially in terms of reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Fasciani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of l’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.F.); (F.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Francesco Petragnano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of l’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.F.); (F.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Gabriella Aloisi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of l’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.F.); (F.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of l’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.F.); (F.P.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mario Rossi
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
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30
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Doller D, Bespalov A, Miller R, Pietraszek M, Kalinichev M. A case study of foliglurax, the first clinical mGluR4 PAM for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease: translational gaps or a failing industry innovation model? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1323-1338. [PMID: 33074728 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1839047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 40% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients that take mostly dopamine receptor agonists for motor fluctuations, experience the return of symptoms between regular doses. This is a phenomenon known as 'OFF periods.' Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) are a promising non-dopaminergic mechanism with potential to address the unmet need of patients suffering from OFF periods. Foliglurax is the first mGluR4 PAM that has advanced into clinical testing in PD patients. AREAS COVERED We summarize the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and preclinical pharmacology of foliglurax. Translational PET imaging studies, clinical efficacy data, and a competitive landscape analysis of available therapies are presented to the readers. In this Perspective article, foliglurax is used as a case study to illustrate the inherent R&D challenges that companies face when developing drugs. These challenges include the delivery of drugs acting through novel mechanisms, long-term scientific investment, and commercial success and shorter-term positive financial returns. EXPERT OPINION Failure to meet the primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase 2 study led Lundbeck to discontinue the development of foliglurax. Understanding the evidence supporting compound progression into Phase 2 will enable the proper assessment of the therapeutic potential of mGluR4 PAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anton Bespalov
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice , Heidelberg, Germany.,Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov Medical University , St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Rob Miller
- Ventral Stream Consulting LLC ., IL, USA
| | - Malgorzata Pietraszek
- Partnership for Assessment and Accreditation of Scientific Practice , Heidelberg, Germany
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31
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Jiang C, Amaradhi R, Ganesh T, Dingledine R. An Agonist Dependent Allosteric Antagonist of Prostaglandin EP2 Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1436-1446. [PMID: 32324375 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
All reported prostaglandin EP2 receptor antagonists have a purely orthosteric, competitive mode of action. Herein, we report the characterization of compound 1 (pubchem CID 664888) as the first EP2 antagonist that features a reversible, agonist dependent allosteric mode of action. Compound 1 displayed an unsurmountable inhibition of cAMP accumulation stimulated by different EP2 agonists in C6 glioma cells overexpressing human EP2 (C6G-hEP2). The degree of reduction of agonist potency and efficacy depended on the agonist employed. Negative allosteric modulation was not observed in C6G cells overexpressing human EP4, IP, or DP1 receptors. Moreover, in the murine microglial cell line that stably expresses human EP2 receptors (BV2-hEP2), compound 1 reduced the EP2 agonist-induced elevation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and hEP2 mRNA levels and increased that of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Compound 1 was docked into a homology model of hEP2. The predicted binding site on the cytoplasmic receptor surface was similar to that of allosteric inhibitors of the β2-adrenergic, CC chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9), and CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) receptors, which supports the notion of a conserved G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) binding pocket for allosteric inhibitors. As the first agonist dependent negative allosteric modulator of EP2 receptor, the structure of this compound may provide a basis for developing improved allosteric modulators of EP2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiang Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China
| | - Radhika Amaradhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Thota Ganesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ray Dingledine
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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32
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Lans I, Díaz Ó, Dalton JAR, Giraldo J. Exploring the Activation Mechanism of the mGlu5 Transmembrane Domain. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:38. [PMID: 32211419 PMCID: PMC7069277 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As a class C GPCR and regulator of synaptic activity, mGlu5 is an attractive drug target, potentially offering treatment for several neurologic and psychiatric disorders. As little is known about the activation mechanism of mGlu5 at a structural level, potential of mean force calculations linked to molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the mGlu5 transmembrane domain crystal structure to explore various internal mechanisms responsible for its activation. Our results suggest that the hydrophilic interactions between intracellular loop 1 and the intracellular side of TM6 have to be disrupted to reach a theoretically active-like conformation. In addition, interactions between residues that are key for mGlu5 activation (Tyr6593.44 and Ile7515.51) and mGlu5 inactivation (Tyr6593.44 and Ser8097.39) have been identified. Inasmuch as mGlu5 receptor signaling is poorly understood, potentially showing a complex network of micro-switches and subtle structure-activity relationships, the present study represents a step forward in the understanding of mGlu5 transmembrane domain activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaias Lans
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Biophysics of Tropical Diseases, Max Planck Tandem Group, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Óscar Díaz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - James A R Dalton
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
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Mustafa M, Donvito G, Moncayo L, Swafford A, Poklis J, Grauer R, Olszewska T, Ignatowska-Jankowska B, Kendall DA, Lu D, Lichtman AH. In vivo evaluation of the CB1 allosteric modulator LDK1258 reveals CB1-receptor independent behavioral effects. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 190:172840. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Jakubik J, El-Fakahany EE. Current Advances in Allosteric Modulation of Muscarinic Receptors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020325. [PMID: 32085536 PMCID: PMC7072599 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators are ligands that bind to a site on the receptor that is spatially separated from the orthosteric binding site for the endogenous neurotransmitter. Allosteric modulators modulate the binding affinity, potency, and efficacy of orthosteric ligands. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are prototypical allosterically-modulated G-protein-coupled receptors. They are a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of psychiatric, neurologic, and internal diseases like schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington disease, type 2 diabetes, or chronic pulmonary obstruction. Here, we reviewed the progress made during the last decade in our understanding of their mechanisms of binding, allosteric modulation, and in vivo actions in order to understand the translational impact of studying this important class of pharmacological agents. We overviewed newly developed allosteric modulators of muscarinic receptors as well as new spin-off ideas like bitopic ligands combining allosteric and orthosteric moieties and photo-switchable ligands based on bitopic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jakubik
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology CAS, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (J.J.); (E.E.E.-F.)
| | - Esam E. El-Fakahany
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: (J.J.); (E.E.E.-F.)
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Molecular Basis of Opioid Action: From Structures to New Leads. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:6-14. [PMID: 31653480 PMCID: PMC6898784 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the isolation of morphine from the opium poppy over 200 years ago, the molecular basis of opioid action has remained the subject of intense inquiry. The identification of specific receptors responsible for opioid function and the discovery of many chemically diverse molecules with unique opioid-like efficacies have provided glimpses into the molecular logic of opioid action. Recent revolutions in the structural biology of transmembrane proteins have, for the first time, yielded high-resolution views into the 3-dimensional shapes of all 4 opioid receptors. These studies have begun to decode the chemical logic that enables opioids to specifically bind and activate their receptor targets. A combination of spectroscopic experiments and computational simulations has provided a view into the molecular movements of the opioid receptors, which itself gives rise to the complex opioid pharmacology observed at the cellular and behavioral levels. Further diversity in opioid receptor structure is driven by both genetic variation and receptor oligomerization. These insights have enabled computational drug discovery efforts, with some evidence of success in the design of completely novel opioids with unique efficacies. The combined progress over the past few years provides hope for new, efficacious opioids devoid of the side effects that have made them the scourge of humanity for millennia.
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36
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G-Protein/Receptor inhibitors as blockers of receptor signaling. J Theor Biol 2019; 480:23-33. [PMID: 31356763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the behavior of binding and functional receptor systems where an antagonist of the receptor/G protein binding reaction is added as a blocker of agonist-induced receptor function. For agonist radioligands, the reduction of G protein receptor interaction leads to a possible change in the binding affinity of the agonist radioligand to the receptor. Reciprocally, the allosteric cooperativity between the agonist and the G protein binding site antagonist (quantified by the factor γB) affects the potency of the G protein antagonist modulator; this model presents the various profiles that would be expected for modulators that reduce (γB = 0.01), have no effect on (γB = 1) and increase (γB = 100) the affinity of the agonist for the receptor. It will be seen that modulators that increase the affinity of the receptor for the agonist are the most potent antagonists and may attain a profile of some special negative allosteric modulators referred to as PAM antagonists. In all cases, these modulators will be inverse agonists of constitutive receptor activity. This model presents a strategy for the discovery of PAM antagonists for therapeutic blockade of physiological signaling.
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37
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Nguyen T, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Overcoming the Psychiatric Side Effects of the Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonists: Current Approaches for Therapeutics Development. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1418-1435. [PMID: 31284863 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190708164841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor (CB1R) is involved in a variety of physiological pathways and has long been considered a golden target for therapeutic manipulation. A large body of evidence in both animal and human studies suggests that CB1R antagonism is highly effective for the treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders and drug addiction. However, the first-in-class CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, rimonabant, though demonstrating effectiveness for obesity treatment and smoking cessation, displays serious psychiatric side effects, including anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation, resulting in its eventual withdrawal from the European market. Several strategies are currently being pursued to circumvent the mechanisms leading to these side effects by developing neutral antagonists, peripherally restricted ligands, and allosteric modulators. In this review, we describe the progress in the development of therapeutics targeting the CB1R in the last two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
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38
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Decker AM, Barrus D, Langston TL, Li JX, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of 1-Phenyl-3-Thiophenylurea Derivatives as Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor Allosteric Modulators. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9806-9823. [PMID: 31596583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported diarylurea derivatives as cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) allosteric modulators, which were effective in attenuating cocaine-seeking behavior. Herein, we extended the structure-activity relationships of PSNCBAM-1 (2) at the central phenyl ring directly connected to the urea moiety. Replacement with a thiophene ring led to 11 with improved or comparable potencies in calcium mobilization, [35S]GTPγS binding, and cAMP assays, whereas substitution with nonaromatic rings led to significant attenuation of the modulatory activity. These compounds had no inverse agonism in [35S]GTPγS binding, a characteristic that is often thought to contribute to adverse psychiatric effects. While 11 had good metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes, it showed modest solubility and blood-brain barrier permeability. Compound 11 showed an insignificant attenuation of cocaine seeking behavior in rats, most likely due to its limited CNS penetration, suggesting that pharmacokinetics and distribution play a role in translating the in vitro efficacy to in vivo behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Thomas F Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Ann M Decker
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Daniel Barrus
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Tiffany L Langston
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Buffalo, the State University of New York , Buffalo , New York 14214 , United States
| | - Brian F Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute , Research Triangle Park , North Carolina 27709 , United States
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40
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Coughlin Q, Hopper AT, Blanco MJ, Tirunagaru V, Robichaud AJ, Doller D. Allosteric Modalities for Membrane-Bound Receptors: Insights from Drug Hunting for Brain Diseases. J Med Chem 2019; 62:5979-6002. [PMID: 30721063 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal chemists are accountable for embedding the appropriate drug target profile into the molecular architecture of a clinical candidate. An accurate characterization of the functional effects following binding of a drug to its biological target is a fundamental step in the discovery of new medicines, informing the translation of preclinical efficacy and safety observations into human trials. Membrane-bound proteins, particularly ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are biological targets prone to allosteric modulation. Investigations using allosteric drug candidates and chemical tools suggest that their functional effects may be tailored with a high degree of translational alignment, making them molecular tools to correct pathophysiological functional tone and enable personalized medicine when a causative target-to-disease link is known. We present select examples of functional molecular fine-tuning of allosterism and discuss consequences relevant to drug design.
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41
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Nguyen T, Gamage TF, Decker AM, German N, Langston TL, Farquhar CE, Kenakin TP, Wiley JL, Thomas BF, Zhang Y. Diarylureas Containing 5-Membered Heterocycles as CB 1 Receptor Allosteric Modulators: Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:518-527. [PMID: 30188693 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators have attracted significant interest as an alternate strategy to modulate CB1 receptor signaling for therapeutic benefits that may avoid the adverse effects associated with orthosteric ligands. Here we extended our previous structure-activity relationship studies on the diarylurea-based CB1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) by introducing five-membered heterocycles to replace the 5-pyrrolidinylpyridinyl group in PSNCBAM-1 (1), one of the first generation CB1 allosteric modulators. Many of these compounds had comparable potency to 1 in blocking the CB1 agonist CP55,940 stimulated calcium mobilization and [35S]GTP-γ-S binding. Similar to 1, most compounds showed positive cooperativity by increasing [3H]CP55,940 binding, consistent with the positive allosteric modulator (PAM)-antagonist mechanism. Interestingly, these compounds exhibited differences in ability to increase specific binding of [3H]CP55,940 and decrease binding of the antagonist [3H]SR141716. In saturation binding studies, only increases in [3H]CP55,940 Bmax, but not Kd, were observed, suggesting that these compounds stabilize low affinity receptors into a high affinity state. Among the series, the 2-pyrrolyl analogue (13) exhibited greater potency than 1 in the [35S]GTP-γ-S binding assay and significantly enhanced the maximum binding level in the [3H]CP5,5940 binding assay, indicating greater CB1 receptor affinity and/or cooperativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Thomas F. Gamage
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Ann M. Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Nadezhda German
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tiffany L. Langston
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Charlotte E. Farquhar
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Terry P. Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jenny L. Wiley
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Brian F. Thomas
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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42
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Kenakin T. Analytical Pharmacology: How Numbers Can Guide Drug Discovery. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:9-17. [PMID: 32219213 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.8b00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The unique ways in which pharmacological data compares to mathematical models are described. Examples show that insights into agonist action (prediction of agonism in vivo) and antagonist mechanism of action (orthosteric vs allosteric) can be gained that assist in the candidate selection process for new drugs in drug discovery and development efforts. In addition, the impact of component processes on complex physiological systems can be delineated, such as the effects of the hepatic system on whole body clearance in pharmacokinetics and prediction of drug-drug interactions. Finally, models are instrumental in the procurement of universal drug parameters that can be used in medicinal chemistry-based structure-activity relationships. The revitalization of these ideas under the banner of "Analytical Pharmacology" may serve to re-emphasize these concepts over qualitative description and lead to a better foundation for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States
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43
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Simon N, Azorin JM. [Aripiprazole as dopamine partial agonist model: Basic concepts and clinical impact]. Encephale 2018; 44:558-564. [PMID: 30466778 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Aripiprazole may be viewed as the prototype of third-generation antipsychotics. This concept is based on the notion of D2 partial agonism, whereas all molecules of first-and second generation were D2 antagonists. After reviewing the basic pharmacological notions linked to such concepts, the mechanisms of action of these molecules are addressed, with a particular focus on functional selectivity and biased ligand. One of the essential pharmacological properties of D2 agonists, and particularity aripiprazole, is their ability to not induce D2 supersensitivity as well as to reverse this supersensitivity when it has been induced by D2 antagonists. In clinical practice, this impacts the choice of treatment in first episode psychosis as well as in refractory schizophrenia. Animal research shows that D2 supersensitivity could contribute to worsen addictive trends. The pharmacokinetic incidence of D2 supersensitivity tends to favour the long-acting forms of partial agonists. The notion of partial agonism could finally lead to design fourth-generation antipsychotics, on the basis on research focusing on functional selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Simon
- Service de pharmacologie clinique, PTSIII Order Aix Marseille université, AP-HM, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte-Marguerite, CAP-TV, 270, boulevard Sainte-Marguerite, 13000 Marseille, France.
| | - J-M Azorin
- SHU psychiatrie adultes, hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France
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