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Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP) is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in the regulation of several physiological functions and pathological conditions. Thus, researchers from academia and industry are pursuing NOP to discover and study novel pharmacological entities. In a multidisciplinary effort of pharmacologists, medicinal chemists, and molecular and structural biologists the mechanisms of NOP activation and inhibition have been, at least partially, disentangled. Here, we review the in vitro methodologies employed, which have contributed to our understanding of this target. We hope this chapter guides the reader through the mostly established assay platforms to investigate NOP pharmacology, and gives some hints taking advantage from what has already illuminated the function of other GPCRs. We analyzed the pharmacological results obtained with a large panel of NOP ligands investigated in several assays including receptor binding, stimulation of GTPγS binding, decrease of cAMP levels, calcium flux stimulation via chimeric G proteins, NOP/G protein and NOP/β-arrestin interaction, label-free assays such as dynamic mass redistribution, and bioassays such as the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Malfacini
- Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Girolamo Caló
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurosciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Bird MF, Guerrini R, Willets JM, Thompson JP, Caló G, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) conjugated to ATTO594: a novel fluorescent probe for the N/OFQ (NOP) receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4496-4506. [PMID: 30276802 PMCID: PMC6255954 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) is a member of the opioid receptor family and is involved in a number of physiological responses, pain and immune regulation as examples. In this study, we conjugated a red fluorophore-ATTO594 to the peptide ligand N/OFQ (N/OFQATTO594 ) for the NOP receptor and explored NOP receptor function at high (in recombinant systems) and low (on immune cells) expression. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed N/OFQATTO594 receptor binding, selectivity and functional activity in recombinant (CHO) cell lines. Live cell N/OFQATTO594 binding was measured in (i) HEK cells expressing NOP and NOPGFP receptors, (ii) CHO cells expressing the hNOPGαqi5 chimera (to force coupling to measurable Ca2+ responses) and (iii) freshly isolated human polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). KEY RESULTS N/OFQATTO594 bound to NOP receptor with nM affinity and high selectivity. N/OFQATTO594 activated NOP receptor by reducing cAMP formation and increasing Ca2+ levels in CHOhNOPGαqi5 cells. N/OFQATTO594 was also able to visualize NOP receptors at low expression levels on PMN cells. In NOP-GFP-tagged receptors, N/OFQATTO594 was used in a FRET protocol where GFP emission activated ATTO, visualizing ligand-receptor interaction. When the NOPGFP receptor is activated by N/OFQATTO594 , movement of ligand and receptor from the cell surface to the cytosol can be measured. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In the absence of validated NOP receptor antibodies and issues surrounding the use of radiolabels (especially in low expression systems), these data indicate the utility of N/OFQATTO594 to study a wide range of N/OFQ-driven cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - R Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTAUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - J M Willets
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - J P Thompson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - G Caló
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
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Dietis N, Niwa H, Tose R, McDonald J, Ruggieri V, Filaferro M, Vitale G, Micheli L, Ghelardini C, Salvadori S, Calo G, Guerrini R, Rowbotham DJ, Lambert DG. In vitro and in vivo characterization of the bifunctional μ and δ opioid receptor ligand UFP-505. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2881-2896. [PMID: 29524334 PMCID: PMC6016625 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Targeting more than one opioid receptor type simultaneously may have analgesic advantages in reducing side-effects. We have evaluated the mixed μ opioid receptor agonist/ δ opioid receptor antagonist UFP-505 in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We measured receptor density and function in single μ, δ and μ /δ receptor double expression systems. GTPγ35 S binding, cAMP formation and arrestin recruitment were measured. Antinociceptive activity was measured in vivo using tail withdrawal and paw pressure tests following acute and chronic treatment. In some experiments, we collected tissues to measure receptor densities. KEY RESULTS UFP-505 bound to μ receptors with full agonist activity and to δ receptors as a low efficacy partial agonist At μ, but not δ receptors, UFP-505 binding recruited arrestin. Unlike morphine, UFP-505 treatment internalized μ receptors and there was some evidence for internalization of δ receptors. Similar data were obtained in a μ /δ receptor double expression system. In rats, acute UFP-505 or morphine, injected intrathecally, was antinociceptive. In tissues harvested from these experiments, μ and δ receptor density was decreased after UFP-505 but not morphine treatment, in agreement with in vitro data. Both morphine and UFP-505 induced significant tolerance. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In this study, UFP-505 behaved as a full agonist at μ receptors with variable activity at δ receptors. This bifunctional compound was antinociceptive in rats after intrathecal administration. In this model, dual targeting provided no advantages in terms of tolerance liability. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Emerging Areas of Opioid Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dietis
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterUK
| | - H Niwa
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterUK
| | - R Tose
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterUK
| | - J McDonald
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterUK
| | - V Ruggieri
- Department of Oncology Haematology and Respiratory DiseasesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - M Filaferro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neuro‐SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - G Vitale
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - L Micheli
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical PharmacologyUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - C Ghelardini
- Department of Preclinical and Clinical PharmacologyUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - S Salvadori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - G Calo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - R Guerrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - D J Rowbotham
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterUK
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterUK
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Singh SR, Sullo N, Matteis M, Spaziano G, McDonald J, Saunders R, Woodman L, Urbanek K, De Angelis A, De Palma R, Berair R, Pancholi M, Mistry V, Rossi F, Guerrini R, Calò G, D'Agostino B, Brightling CE, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) modulates immunopathology and airway hyperresponsiveness representing a novel target for the treatment of asthma. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1286-301. [PMID: 26756419 PMCID: PMC4940820 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is evidence supporting a role for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ; NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand N/OFQ in the modulation of neurogenic inflammation, airway tone and calibre. We hypothesized that NOP receptor activation has beneficial effects upon asthma immunopathology and airway hyperresponsiveness. Therefore, the expression and function of N/OFQ and the NOP receptor were examined in healthy and asthmatic human airway tissues. The concept was further addressed in an animal model of allergic asthma. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH NOP receptor expression was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. Sputum N/OFQ was determined by RIA. N/OFQ function was tested using several assays including proliferation, migration, collagen gel contraction and wound healing. The effects of N/OFQ administration in vivo were studied in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged mice. KEY RESULTS NOP receptors were expressed on a wide range of human and mouse immune and airway cells. Eosinophils expressed N/OFQ-precursor mRNA and their number correlated with N/OFQ concentration. N/OFQ was found in human sputum and increased in asthma. Additionally, in asthmatic human lungs N/OFQ immunoreactivity was elevated. NOP receptor activation inhibited migration of immunocytes and increased wound healing in airway structural cells. Furthermore, N/OFQ relaxed spasmogen-stimulated gel contraction. Remarkably, these findings were mirrored in OVA-mice where N/OFQ treatment before or during sensitization substantially reduced airway constriction and immunocyte trafficking to the lung, in particular eosinophils. N/OFQ also reduced inflammatory mediators and mucin production. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We demonstrated a novel dual airway immunomodulator/bronchodilator role for N/OFQ and suggest targeting this system as an innovative treatment for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra R Singh
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain ManagementLeicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterLE2 7LXUK
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Nikol Sullo
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain ManagementLeicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterLE2 7LXUK
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Maria Matteis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Giuseppe Spaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - John McDonald
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain ManagementLeicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterLE2 7LXUK
| | - Ruth Saunders
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Lucy Woodman
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Konrad Urbanek
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Raffaele De Palma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of ImmunologySecond University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Rachid Berair
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Mitesh Pancholi
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Vijay Mistry
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Francesco Rossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of PharmacologyUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Bruno D'Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L Donatelli,Second University of NaplesNaplesItaly
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation and Health SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - David G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain ManagementLeicester Royal InfirmaryLeicesterLE2 7LXUK
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Wang Y, Long H, Jian F, Li X, Yang X, Zhao Z, Lai W. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ up-regulates P2X3receptors in primary cultures of neonatal rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. Eur J Oral Sci 2015; 123:409-15. [PMID: 26607208 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Hu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Fan Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases; West China School of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Wenli Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
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Donica CL, Awwad HO, Thakker DR, Standifer KM. Cellular mechanisms of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor regulation and heterologous regulation by N/OFQ. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 83:907-18. [PMID: 23395957 PMCID: PMC3629824 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.084632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor is the fourth and most recently discovered member of the opioid receptor superfamily that also includes μ, δ, and κ opioid receptor subtypes (MOR, DOR, and KOR, respectively). The widespread anatomic distribution of the NOP receptor enables the modulation of several physiologic processes by its endogenous agonist, N/OFQ. Accordingly, the NOP receptor has gained a lot of attention as a potential target for the development of ligands with therapeutic use in several pathophysiological states. NOP receptor activation frequently results in effects opposing classic opioid receptor action; therefore, regulation of the NOP receptor and conditions affecting its modulatory tone are important to understand. Mounting evidence reveals a heterologous interaction of the NOP receptor with other G protein-coupled receptors, including MOR, DOR, and KOR, which may subsequently influence their function. Our focus in this review is to summarize and discuss the findings that delineate the cellular mechanisms of NOP receptor signaling and regulation and the regulation of other receptors by N/OFQ and the NOP receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L Donica
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
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Carmona-Aparicio L, Peña F, Borsodi A, Rocha L. Effects of nociceptin on the spread and seizure activity in the rat amygdala kindling model: their correlations with 3H-leucyl-nociceptin binding. Epilepsy Res 2007; 77:75-84. [PMID: 17913464 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2007.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Revised: 08/15/2007] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects with pretreatment with nociceptin (0.03-30nmol, i.c.v.) were evaluated on the threshold for eliciting afterdischarge (ADT), generation and spread of seizure activity and postictal depression in rats with kindling stimulation. Nociceptin produced a decrease in ADT (32-45%) in rats with partial seizures (PS, stage II-III), and an increase (61-92%) in rats with generalized seizures (GS, kindled state). Nociceptin did not modify the behavioral changes, spike frequency and duration of afterdischarge elicited at ADT in both experimental groups. In rats with GS, nociceptin enhanced postictal depression (34-44%) evaluated with a recycling paradigm. Autoradiography experiments revealed enhanced nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) binding in medial amygdala (22-26%), frontal (21-23%) and entorhinal (27-32%) cortices, and reduced binding in the substantia nigra pars compacta (28%) and medial central gray (29%) of rats with PS. The GS group displayed significant decreased NOP binding (40-70%) in most of the brain areas evaluated. These results suggest that nociceptin facilitates ictal activity in rats with PS, whereas in animals with GS, it induces inhibitory effects on ADT and enhances the postictal period. These effects correlate with significant changes in NOP binding.
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Barnes TA, McDonald J, Rowbotham DJ, Duarte TL, Lambert DG. Effects of receptor density on Nociceptin/OrphaninFQ peptide receptor desensitisation: studies using the ecdysone inducible expression system. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2007; 376:217-25. [PMID: 17899014 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-007-0189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/03/2007] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pretreatment of the G-protein coupled nociceptin receptor (NOP) with nociceptin/orphaninFQ (N/OFQ) produces desensitisation. The influences of receptor expression and genomic effects are largely unknown. We have used an ecdysone-inducible NOP expression system in a CHO line (CHO INDhNOP) to examine the effects of N/OFQ pretreatment upon receptor density, GTPgamma[35S] binding, cAMP formation and NOP-mRNA. CHO(INDhNOP) induced with 5 and 10 microM PonasteroneA (PonA) for 20 h produced NOP densities (Bmax) of 194 and 473 fmol. mg(-1) protein, respectively. This was accompanied by decreased NOP mRNA. The lower Bmax is typical of the central nervous system. Pretreatment with 1 microM N/OFQ significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Bmax at 5 and 10 microM PonA to 100 and 196 fmol. mg(-1) protein, respectively. There was no change in binding affinity. Along with the reduction in Bmax), potency and efficacy for N/OFQ-stimulated GTPgamma[35S] binding were also reduced (5 microM PonA: pEC50-control = 8.55 +/- 0.06, pretreated = 7.88 +/- 0.07; Emax-control = 3.52 +/- 0.43, pretreated = 2.48 +/- 0.10; 10 microM PonA: pEC50-control = 8.41 +/- 0.18, pretreated = 7.76 +/- 0.03; Emax-control = 5.07 +/- 0.17, pretreated = 3.38 +/- 0.19). For inhibition of cAMP formation, there was a reduction in potency (5 microM PonA: pEC50-control = 9.78 +/- 0.08, pretreated = 8.92 +/- 0.13; 10 microM PonA: pEC50-control = 9.99 +/- 0.07, pretreated = 9.04 +/- 0.14), but there was no reduction in efficacy. In addition, there were 39 and 31% reductions in NOP mRNA at 5 and 10 microM PonA, respectively, but these measurements were made following concurrent N/OFQ challenge and PonA induction. In CHO INDhNOP, we have shown a reduction in cell surface receptor numbers and a reduction in functional coupling after N/OFQ pretreatment. This was observed at pseudo-physiological and supraphysiological receptor densities. Moreover, we also report a reduction in NOP mRNA, but further studies are needed which include 'pulsing' PonA and desensitizing following wash-out.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Barnes
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences (Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group), Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
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