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Salib AMN, Crane MJ, Lee SH, Wainger BJ, Jamieson AM, Lipscombe D. Interleukin-1α links peripheral Ca V2.2 channel activation to rapid adaptive increases in heat sensitivity in skin. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9051. [PMID: 38643253 PMCID: PMC11032389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons have the unique capacity to adapt output in response to changes in their environment. Within seconds, sensory nerve endings can become hypersensitive to stimuli in response to potentially damaging events. The underlying behavioral response is well studied, but several of the key signaling molecules that mediate sensory hypersensitivity remain unknown. We previously discovered that peripheral voltage-gated CaV2.2 channels in nerve endings in skin are essential for the rapid, transient increase in sensitivity to heat, but not to mechanical stimuli, that accompanies intradermal capsaicin. Here we report that the cytokine interleukin-1α (IL-1α), an alarmin, is necessary and sufficient to trigger rapid heat and mechanical hypersensitivity in skin. Of 20 cytokines screened, only IL-1α was consistently detected in hind paw interstitial fluid in response to intradermal capsaicin and, similar to behavioral sensitivity to heat, IL-1α levels were also dependent on peripheral CaV2.2 channel activity. Neutralizing IL-1α in skin significantly reduced capsaicin-induced changes in hind paw sensitivity to radiant heat and mechanical stimulation. Intradermal IL-1α enhances behavioral responses to stimuli and, in culture, IL-1α enhances the responsiveness of Trpv1-expressing sensory neurons. Together, our data suggest that IL-1α is the key cytokine that underlies rapid and reversible neuroinflammatory responses in skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Mary N Salib
- Department of Neuroscience, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Meredith J Crane
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Amanda M Jamieson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
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Salib AMN, Crane MJ, Lee SH, Wainger BJ, Jamieson AM, Lipscombe D. Interleukin-1α links peripheral Ca V2.2 channel activation to rapid adaptive increases in heat sensitivity in skin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.17.572072. [PMID: 38585803 PMCID: PMC10996502 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.17.572072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Neurons have the unique capacity to adapt output in response to changes in their environment. Within seconds, sensory nerve endings can become hypersensitive to stimuli in response to potentially damaging events. The underlying behavioral response is well studied, but several of the key signaling molecules that mediate sensory hypersensitivity remain unknown. We previously discovered that peripheral voltage-gated CaV2.2 channels in nerve endings in skin are essential for the rapid, transient increase in sensitivity to heat, but not to mechanical stimuli, that accompanies intradermal capsaicin. Here we report that the cytokine interleukin-1α (IL-1α), an alarmin, is necessary and sufficient to trigger rapid heat and mechanical hypersensitivity in skin. Of 20 cytokines screened, only IL-1α was consistently detected in hind paw interstitial fluid in response to intradermal capsaicin and, similar to behavioral sensitivity to heat, IL-1α levels were also dependent on peripheral CaV2.2 channel activity. Neutralizing IL-1α in skin significantly reduced capsaicin-induced changes in hind paw sensitivity to radiant heat and mechanical stimulation. Intradermal IL-1α enhances behavioral responses to stimuli and, in culture, IL-1α enhances the responsiveness of Trpv1-expressing sensory neurons. Together, our data suggest that IL-1α is the key cytokine that underlies rapid and reversible neuroinflammatory responses in skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Mary N Salib
- Department of Neuroscience, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Meredith J Crane
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Amanda M Jamieson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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3
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Ding X, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang R, Chen D, Liu C, Xu J, Chen L. Reductive amination of ω-conotoxin MVIIA: synthesis, determination of modification sites, and self-assembly. Amino Acids 2024; 56:26. [PMID: 38554247 PMCID: PMC10981597 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03366-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Peptide drugs have disadvantages such as low stability, short half-life and side effects, which limit their widespread use in clinical practice. Therefore, peptide drugs can be modified to improve these disadvantages. Numerous studies have shown that alkyl-modified peptide drugs can self-assemble to prolong the duration of efficacy and/or reduce side effects. However, the commonly used solid-phase synthesis method for alkyl-modified peptides is time-consuming. To overcome this, a simple reductive amination reaction was employed, which can directly graft the alkyl chain to the peptide sequence and effectively avoid stepwise synthesis from C- to N-terminal with amino acids. In this study, ω-conotoxin MVIIA was used as the peptide drug, while myristic aldehyde was used as the alkylating agent. To obtain the maximum productivity of modified peptides, the molar ratio of peptide MVIIA to myristic aldehyde in the reductive amination reaction was optimized. Furthermore, the peptide modification sites in this reaction were confirmed by secondary mass spectrometry analysis. Besides, alkyl-modified peptide MVIIA was able to form micelles by self-assembly and improved stability in serum, which was related to our previous work where myristoylated peptide MVIIA micelles can improve the drug stability. Finally, this study was intended to provide a methodological basis for modifying the alkyl chain of peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Sida Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Dong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Changcai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China
| | - Jianfu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, 102205, China.
| | - Long Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Gomez K, Santiago U, Nelson TS, Allen HN, Calderon-Rivera A, Hestehave S, Rodríguez Palma EJ, Zhou Y, Duran P, Loya-Lopez S, Zhu E, Kumar U, Shields R, Koseli E, McKiver B, Giuvelis D, Zuo W, Inyang KE, Dorame A, Chefdeville A, Ran D, Perez-Miller S, Lu Y, Liu X, Handoko, Arora PS, Patek M, Moutal A, Khanna M, Hu H, Laumet G, King T, Wang J, Damaj MI, Korczeniewska OA, Camacho CJ, Khanna R. A peptidomimetic modulator of the Ca V2.2 N-type calcium channel for chronic pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305215120. [PMID: 37972067 PMCID: PMC10666126 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305215120] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels are genetically and pharmacologically validated, clinically relevant pain targets. Clinical block of Cav2.2 (e.g., with Prialt/Ziconotide) or indirect modulation [e.g., with gabapentinoids such as Gabapentin (GBP)] mitigates chronic pain but is encumbered by side effects and abuse liability. The cytosolic auxiliary subunit collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) targets Cav2.2 to the sensory neuron membrane and regulates their function via an intrinsically disordered motif. A CRMP2-derived peptide (CBD3) uncouples the Cav2.2-CRMP2 interaction to inhibit calcium influx, transmitter release, and pain. We developed and applied a molecular dynamics approach to identify the A1R2 dipeptide in CBD3 as the anchoring Cav2.2 motif and designed pharmacophore models to screen 27 million compounds on the open-access server ZincPharmer. Of 200 curated hits, 77 compounds were assessed using depolarization-evoked calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Nine small molecules were tested electrophysiologically, while one (CBD3063) was also evaluated biochemically and behaviorally. CBD3063 uncoupled Cav2.2 from CRMP2, reduced membrane Cav2.2 expression and Ca2+ currents, decreased neurotransmission, reduced fiber photometry-based calcium responses in response to mechanical stimulation, and reversed neuropathic and inflammatory pain across sexes in two different species without changes in sensory, sedative, depressive, and cognitive behaviors. CBD3063 is a selective, first-in-class, CRMP2-based peptidomimetic small molecule, which allosterically regulates Cav2.2 to achieve analgesia and pain relief without negative side effect profiles. In summary, CBD3063 could potentially be a more effective alternative to GBP for pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Ulises Santiago
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Tyler S. Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Heather N. Allen
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Sara Hestehave
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Erick J. Rodríguez Palma
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Santiago Loya-Lopez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Elaine Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY10016
| | - Upasana Kumar
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ07101
| | - Rory Shields
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark Health Science Campus, Newark, NJ07101
| | - Eda Koseli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Bryan McKiver
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Denise Giuvelis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME04005
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ07103
| | | | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Aude Chefdeville
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, China
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, China
| | - Handoko
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY10003
| | | | - Marcel Patek
- Bright Rock Path Limited Liability Company, Tucson, AZ85724
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO63104
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ07103
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824
| | - Tamara King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME04005
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY10016
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY10010
| | - M. Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23298
| | - Olga A. Korczeniewska
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ07101
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark Health Science Campus, Newark, NJ07101
| | - Carlos J. Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15261
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY10010
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY10010
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY10010
- Chemical, and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York City, NY11201
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5
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Antunes FTT, Campos MM, Carvalho VDPR, da Silva Junior CA, Magno LAV, de Souza AH, Gomez MV. Current Drug Development Overview: Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels for the Treatment of Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119223. [PMID: 37298174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are targeted to treat pain conditions. Since the discovery of their relation to pain processing control, they are investigated to find new strategies for better pain control. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on the development of drugs focusing on the VGCC subtypes as well as mixed targets with pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maria Martha Campos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Hubner de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
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6
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Villavicencio A, Taha HB, Burneikiene S. Does the combination of intrathecal fentanyl and morphine improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar fusions? Neurosurg Rev 2023; 46:97. [PMID: 37106209 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Intrathecal morphine (ITM) has been widely effective in improving postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing a multitude of surgeries, including lumbar spine fusion. A major limitation of ITM administration is the increase in the incidence of respiratory depression in a dose-dependent manner. One way to bypass this is to use a more potent opioid with a shorter half-life, such as fentanyl. This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent one- or two-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions. The patients received one of two interventions: 0.2mg intrathecal duramorph/morphine (ITM group; n=70), 0.2mg duramorph + 50 mcg fentanyl (ITM + fentanyl group; n=68) and the control group (n=102). Primary outcomes included postoperative pain (Visual Analog Scale) and opioid intake (MED - morphine equivalent dosage, mg) for postoperative days (POD) 1- 4. Secondary outcomes included opioid-related side effects. One-way analyses of variance and follow-up post-hoc Tukey's honest significant difference statistical tests were used to measure treatment effects. Significantly lower POD1 pain scores for both the ITM and ITM + fentanyl groups vs. control were detected, with no difference between the ITM vs. ITM + fentanyl groups. Similar results were found for POD1 MED intake. A multivariate regression analysis controlling for confounding variables did not attenuate the differences seen in POD1 pain scores while revealing that only the ITM + fentanyl predicted a decrease in POD1 MED intake. No differences were seen for postoperative opioid-related side effects. Our study provides support for supplementing a low dose of both intrathecal morphine and fentanyl to improve postoperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Villavicencio
- Boulder Neurosurgical and Spine Associates, Boulder, CO, USA
- Justin Parker Neurological Institute, 4743 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 202, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Hash Brown Taha
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sigita Burneikiene
- Justin Parker Neurological Institute, 4743 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 202, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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Ding X, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang R, Chen D, Chen L, Zhang Y, Luo SZ, Xu J, Pei C. Self-Assembly Nanostructure of Myristoylated ω-Conotoxin MVIIA Increases the Duration of Efficacy and Reduces Side Effects. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040229. [PMID: 37103368 PMCID: PMC10144222 DOI: 10.3390/md21040229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide. An alternative to suppress or alleviate chronic pain is the use of peptide drugs that block N-type Ca2+ channels (Cav2.2), such as ω-conotoxin MVIIA. Nevertheless, the narrow therapeutic window, severe neurological side effects and low stability associated with peptide MVIIA have restricted its widespread use. Fortunately, self-assembly endows the peptide with high stability and multiple functions, which can effectively control its release to prolong its duration of action. Inspired by this, MVIIA was modified with appropriate fatty acid chains to render it amphiphilic and easier to self-assemble. In this paper, an N-terminal myristoylated MVIIA (Myr-MVIIA, medium carbon chain length) was designed and prepared to undergo self-assembly. The present results indicated that Myr-MVIIA can self-assemble into micelles. Self-assembled micelles formed by Myr-MVIIA at higher concentrations than MVIIA can prolong the duration of the analgesic effect and significantly reduce or even eliminate the side effects of tremor and coordinated motor dysfunction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Ding
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Sida Zhang
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Dong Chen
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Long Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jianfu Xu
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Chengxin Pei
- State key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
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Choudhary S, Kaur R, Waziri A, Garg A, Kadian R, Alam MS. N-type calcium channel blockers: a new approach towards the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) remains maltreated for a wide number of patients by the currently available treatments and little research has been done in finding new drugs for treating NP. Ziconotide (PrialtTM) had been developed as the new drug, which belongs to the class of ω-conotoxin MVIIA. It inhibits N-type calcium channels. Ziconotide is under the last phase of the clinical trial, a new non-narcotic drug for the management of NP. Synthetically it has shown the similarities with ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a constituent of poison found in fish hunting snails (Conus magus). Ziconotide acts by selectively blocking neural N-type voltage-sensitized Ca2+ channels (NVSCCs). Certain herbal drugs also have been studied but no clinical result is there and the study is only limited to preclinical data. This review emphasizes the N-type calcium channel inhibitors, and their mechanisms for blocking calcium channels with their remedial prospects for treating chronic NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Choudhary
- School of Medical and Allied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram 122103, Haryana, India
| | - Raminderjit Kaur
- School of Medical and Allied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram 122103, Haryana, India
| | - Aafrin Waziri
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Arun Garg
- Department of Pharmacology, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University, Jaipur 303121, Rajasthan, India
| | - Renu Kadian
- Ram Gopal College of Pharmacy, Gurugram 122506, Haryana, India
| | - Md Sabir Alam
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram 122505, Haryana, India
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9
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Caminski ES, Antunes FTT, Souza IA, Dallegrave E, Zamponi GW. Regulation of N-type calcium channels by nociceptin receptors and its possible role in neurological disorders. Mol Brain 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 36434658 PMCID: PMC9700961 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin opioid peptide receptors (NOP, a.k.a. opioid-like receptor-1, ORL-1) by the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ, leads to G protein-dependent regulation of Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). This typically causes a reduction in calcium currents, triggering changes in presynaptic calcium levels and thus neurotransmission. Because of the widespread expression patterns of NOP and VGCCs across multiple brain regions, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and the dorsal root ganglia, this results in the alteration of numerous neurophysiological features. Here we review the regulation of N-type calcium channels by the NOP-nociceptin system in the context of neurological conditions such as anxiety, addiction, and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle Sistherenn Caminski
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Ivana Assis Souza
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Eliane Dallegrave
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
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10
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Trevisan G, Oliveira SM. Animal Venom Peptides Cause Antinociceptive Effects by Voltage-gated Calcium Channels Activity Blockage. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1579-1599. [PMID: 34259147 PMCID: PMC9881091 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210713121217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a complex phenomenon that is usually unpleasant and aversive. It can range widely in intensity, quality, and duration and has diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms and meanings. Voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are essential to transmitting painful stimuli from the periphery until the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Thus, blocking voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) can effectively control pain refractory to treatments currently used in the clinic, such as cancer and neuropathic pain. VGCCs blockers isolated of cobra Naja naja kaouthia (α-cobratoxin), spider Agelenopsis aperta (ω-Agatoxin IVA), spider Phoneutria nigriventer (PhTx3.3, PhTx3.4, PhTx3.5, PhTx3.6), spider Hysterocrates gigas (SNX-482), cone snails Conus geographus (GVIA), Conus magus (MVIIA or ziconotide), Conus catus (CVID, CVIE and CVIF), Conus striatus (SO- 3), Conus fulmen (FVIA), Conus moncuri (MoVIA and MoVIB), Conus regularis (RsXXIVA), Conus eburneus (Eu1.6), Conus victoriae (Vc1.1.), Conus regius (RgIA), and spider Ornithoctonus huwena (huwentoxin-I and huwentoxin-XVI) venoms caused antinociceptive effects in different acute and chronic pain models. Currently, ziconotide is the only clinical used N-type VGCCs blocker peptide for chronic intractable pain. However, ziconotide causes different adverse effects, and the intrathecal route of administration also impairs its use in a more significant number of patients. In this sense, peptides isolated from animal venoms or their synthetic forms that act by modulating or blocking VGCCs channels seem to be a relevant prototype for developing new analgesics efficacious and well tolerated by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Trevisan
- Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; ,Address correspondence to these authors at the Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 21, room 5207, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil; E-mails: , and Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 18, room 2203, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil;, E-mail:
| | - Sara Marchesan Oliveira
- Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil,Address correspondence to these authors at the Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 21, room 5207, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil; E-mails: , and Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 18, room 2203, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil;, E-mail:
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11
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Martin D, Reihe C, Drummer S, Roessler K, Boomer S, Nelson M. Venoconstrictor responses to activation of bradykinin-sensitive pericardial afferents involve the region of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15221. [PMID: 35307973 PMCID: PMC8935126 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Veins are important in the control of venous return, cardiac output, and cardiovascular homeostasis. However, the effector systems modulating venous function remain to be fully elucidated. We demonstrated that activation of bradykinin-sensitive pericardial afferents elicited systemic venoconstriction. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is an important site modulating autonomic outflow to the venous compartment. We tested the hypothesis that the PVN region is involved in the venoconstrictor response to pericardial injection of bradykinin. Rats were anesthetized with urethane/alpha chloralose and instrumented for recording arterial pressure, vena caval pressure, and mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), an index of venous tone. The rats were fitted with a pericardial catheter and PVN injector guide tubes. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and MCFP responses to pericardial injection of bradykinin (1, 10 µg/kg) were recorded before and after PVN injection of omega conotoxin GVIA (200 ng/200 nl). Pericardial injection of saline produced no systematic effects on MAP, HR, or MCFP. In contrast, pericardial injection of bradykinin was associated with short latency increases in MAP (16 ± 4 to 18 ± 2 mm Hg) and MCFP 0.35 ± 0.19 to 1.01 ± 0.27 mm Hg. Heart rate responses to pericardial BK were highly variable, but HR was significantly increased (15 ± 9 bpm) at the higher BK dose. Conotoxin injection in the PVN region did not affect baseline values for these variables. However, injection of conotoxin into the area of the PVN largely attenuated the pressor (-1 ± 3 to 6 ± 3 mm Hg), MCFP (-0.19 ± 0.07 to 0.20 ± 0.18 mm Hg), and HR (4 ± 14 bpm) responses to pericardial bradykinin injection. We conclude that the PVN region is involved in the venoconstrictor responses to pericardial bradykinin injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug Martin
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Casey Reihe
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Sam Drummer
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Kyle Roessler
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Shane Boomer
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Madeleine Nelson
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSouth DakotaUSA
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12
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Physicochemical Stability Study of the Morphine-Ropivacaine-Ziconotide Association in Implantable Pumps for Intrathecal Administration. Neuromodulation 2022:S1094-7159(21)06177-8. [PMID: 35088750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical stability of morphine-ropivacaine-ziconotide mixtures used in intrathecal analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight mixtures were studied to assess their stability profiles according to the initial drug concentrations used. The solutions obtained were put in implantable pumps and stored at 37 °C over a period of 60 days. Assays were performed using ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography. Turbidity and pH were also measured throughout the study. RESULTS Results confirmed excellent physicochemical stability for morphine and ropivacaine. Concerning ziconotide, three of the eight mixtures did not show any sign of chemical instability: average concentrations remained constant throughout the 60 days. A decrease of the concentration was observed for the five other mixtures. Moreover, the appearance of a degradation product linked to oxidation confirmed the ziconotide degradation. CONCLUSIONS All these results are in favor of a physicochemical stable preparation for three of the mixture profiles when stored in implantable pumps at 37 °C up to 60 days. For the five others, the efficacy should decrease over time owing to the degradation of ziconotide. The decrease in kinetics of the ziconotide concentration depends on the mixing profile. One possibility is to adapt the filling intervals according to the profile of the mixture. Finally, the results show the period of stability ensuring maximum analgesic efficacy for the eight mixture profiles studied.
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13
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Jimenez EC. Post-translationally modified conopeptides: Biological activities and pharmacological applications. Peptides 2021; 139:170525. [PMID: 33684482 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Conus venoms comprise a large variety of biologically active peptides (conopeptides or conotoxins) that are employed for prey capture and other biological functions. Throughout the course of evolution of the cone snails, they have developed an envenomation scheme that necessitates a potent mixture of peptides, most of which are highly post-translationally modified, that can cause rapid paralysis of their prey. The great diversity of these peptides defines the ecological interactions and evolutionary strategy of cone snails. Such scheme has led to some pharmacological applications for pain, epilepsy, and myocardial infarction, that could be further explored to ultimately find unique peptide-based therapies. This review focuses on ∼ 60 representative post-translationally modified conopeptides that were isolated from Conus venoms. Various conopeptides reveal post-translational modifications of specific amino acids, such as hydroxylation of proline and lysine, gamma-carboxylation of glutamate, formation of N-terminal pyroglutamate, isomerization of l- to d-amino acid, bromination of tryptophan, O-glycosylation of threonine or serine, sulfation of tyrosine, and cysteinylation of cysteine, other than the more common disulfide crosslinking and C-terminal amidation. Many of the post-translationally modified peptides paved the way for the characterization, by alternative analytical methods, of other pharmacologically important peptides that are classified under 27 conopeptide families denoting pharmacological classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsie C Jimenez
- Department of Physical Sciences, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio, Baguio City, 2600, Philippines.
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Hasan MM, Starobova H, Mueller A, Vetter I, Lewis RJ. Subcutaneous ω-Conotoxins Alleviate Mechanical Pain in Rodent Models of Acute Peripheral Neuropathy. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:106. [PMID: 33670311 PMCID: PMC7917901 DOI: 10.3390/md19020106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral effects of ω-conotoxins, selective blockers of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV2.2), have not been characterised across different clinically relevant pain models. This study examines the effects of locally administered ω-conotoxin MVIIA, GVIA, and CVIF on mechanical and thermal paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in postsurgical pain (PSP), cisplatin-induced neuropathy (CisIPN), and oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy (OIPN) rodent models. Intraplantar injection of 300, 100 and 30 nM MVIIA significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.05, respectively) alleviated mechanical allodynia of mice in PSP model compared to vehicle control group. Similarly, intraplantar injection of 300, 100, and 30 nM MVIIA (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively), and 300 nM and 100 nM GVIA (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively) significantly increased mechanical thresholds of mice in OIPN model. The ED50 of GVIA and MVIIA in OIPN was found to be 1.8 pmol/paw and 0.8 pmol/paw, respectively. However, none of the ω-conotoxins were effective in a mouse model of CisIPN. The intraplantar administration of 300 nM GVIA, MVIIA, and CVIF did not cause any locomotor side effects. The intraplantar administration of MVIIA can alleviate incision-induced mechanical allodynia, and GVIA and MVIIA effectively reduce OIPN associated mechanical pain, without locomotor side effects, in rodent models. In contrast, CVIF was inactive in these pain models, suggesting it is unable to block a subset of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels associated with nociceptors in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahadhi Hasan
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.M.H.); (H.S.); (A.M.); (I.V.)
| | - Hana Starobova
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.M.H.); (H.S.); (A.M.); (I.V.)
| | - Alexander Mueller
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.M.H.); (H.S.); (A.M.); (I.V.)
| | - Irina Vetter
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.M.H.); (H.S.); (A.M.); (I.V.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.M.H.); (H.S.); (A.M.); (I.V.)
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15
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Armstrong DA, Jin AH, Braga Emidio N, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF, Rosengren KJ. Chemical Synthesis and NMR Solution Structure of Conotoxin GXIA from Conus geographus. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19020060. [PMID: 33530397 PMCID: PMC7912261 DOI: 10.3390/md19020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are disulfide-rich peptides found in the venom of cone snails. Due to their exquisite potency and high selectivity for a wide range of voltage and ligand gated ion channels they are attractive drug leads in neuropharmacology. Recently, cone snails were found to have the capability to rapidly switch between venom types with different proteome profiles in response to predatory or defensive stimuli. A novel conotoxin, GXIA (original name G117), belonging to the I3-subfamily was identified as the major component of the predatory venom of piscivorous Conus geographus. Using 2D solution NMR spectroscopy techniques, we resolved the 3D structure for GXIA, the first structure reported for the I3-subfamily and framework XI family. The 32 amino acid peptide is comprised of eight cysteine residues with the resultant disulfide connectivity forming an ICK+1 motif. With a triple stranded β-sheet, the GXIA backbone shows striking similarity to several tarantula toxins targeting the voltage sensor of voltage gated potassium and sodium channels. Supported by an amphipathic surface, the structural evidence suggests that GXIA is able to embed in the membrane and bind to the voltage sensor domain of a putative ion channel target.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Armstrong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - K. Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Kennedy AC, Belgi A, Husselbee BW, Spanswick D, Norton RS, Robinson AJ. α-Conotoxin Peptidomimetics: Probing the Minimal Binding Motif for Effective Analgesia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E505. [PMID: 32781580 PMCID: PMC7472027 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several analgesic α-conotoxins have been isolated from marine cone snails. Structural modification of native peptides has provided potent and selective analogues for two of its known biological targets-nicotinic acetylcholine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) G protein-coupled (GABAB) receptors. Both of these molecular targets are implicated in pain pathways. Despite their small size, an incomplete understanding of the structure-activity relationship of α-conotoxins at each of these targets has hampered the development of therapeutic leads. This review scrutinises the N-terminal domain of the α-conotoxin family of peptides, a region defined by an invariant disulfide bridge, a turn-inducing proline residue and multiple polar sidechain residues, and focusses on structural features that provide analgesia through inhibition of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Elucidating the bioactive conformation of this region of these peptides may hold the key to discovering potent drugs for the unmet management of debilitating chronic pain associated with a wide range of medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Kennedy
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - Benjamin W. Husselbee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
| | - David Spanswick
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia;
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- NeuroSolutions Ltd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia;
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea J. Robinson
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; (A.C.K.); (A.B.); (B.W.H.)
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Bordon KDCF, Cologna CT, Fornari-Baldo EC, Pinheiro-Júnior EL, Cerni FA, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cardoso IA, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Boldrini-França J, Pucca MB, Baldo MA, Arantes EC. From Animal Poisons and Venoms to Medicines: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives in Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1132. [PMID: 32848750 PMCID: PMC7396678 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal poisons and venoms are comprised of different classes of molecules displaying wide-ranging pharmacological activities. This review aims to provide an in-depth view of toxin-based compounds from terrestrial and marine organisms used as diagnostic tools, experimental molecules to validate postulated therapeutic targets, drug libraries, prototypes for the design of drugs, cosmeceuticals, and therapeutic agents. However, making these molecules applicable requires extensive preclinical trials, with some applications also demanding clinical trials, in order to validate their molecular target, mechanism of action, effective dose, potential adverse effects, as well as other fundamental parameters. Here we go through the pitfalls for a toxin-based potential therapeutic drug to become eligible for clinical trials and marketing. The manuscript also presents an overview of the current picture for several molecules from different animal venoms and poisons (such as those from amphibians, cone snails, hymenopterans, scorpions, sea anemones, snakes, spiders, tetraodontiformes, bats, and shrews) that have been used in clinical trials. Advances and perspectives on the therapeutic potential of molecules from other underexploited animals, such as caterpillars and ticks, are also reported. The challenges faced during the lengthy and costly preclinical and clinical studies and how to overcome these hindrances are also discussed for that drug candidates going to the bedside. It covers most of the drugs developed using toxins, the molecules that have failed and those that are currently in clinical trials. The article presents a detailed overview of toxins that have been used as therapeutic agents, including their discovery, formulation, dosage, indications, main adverse effects, and pregnancy and breastfeeding prescription warnings. Toxins in diagnosis, as well as cosmeceuticals and atypical therapies (bee venom and leech therapies) are also reported. The level of cumulative and detailed information provided in this review may help pharmacists, physicians, biotechnologists, pharmacologists, and scientists interested in toxinology, drug discovery, and development of toxin-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Takeno Cologna
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Ernesto Lopes Pinheiro-Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Vila Velha, Brazil
| | | | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gisele Adriano Wiezel
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Iara Aimê Cardoso
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela Gobbo Ferreira
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mateus Amaral Baldo
- Health and Science Institute, Paulista University, São José do Rio Pardo, Brazil
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Laboratory of Animal Toxins, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Ramiro IBL, Yandell M, McIntosh JM, Olivera BM, Ellgaard L, Safavi-Hemami H. Curses or Cures: A Review of the Numerous Benefits Versus the Biosecurity Concerns of Conotoxin Research. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32708023 PMCID: PMC7460000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins form a diverse group of peptide toxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. Decades of conotoxin research have provided numerous measurable scientific and societal benefits. These include their use as a drug, diagnostic agent, drug leads, and research tools in neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular evolution. Human envenomations by cone snails are rare but can be fatal. Death by envenomation is likely caused by a small set of toxins that induce muscle paralysis of the diaphragm, resulting in respiratory arrest. The potency of these toxins led to concerns regarding the potential development and use of conotoxins as biological weapons. To address this, various regulatory measures have been introduced that limit the use and access of conotoxins within the research community. Some of these regulations apply to all of the ≈200,000 conotoxins predicted to exist in nature of which less than 0.05% are estimated to have any significant toxicity in humans. In this review we provide an overview of the many benefits of conotoxin research, and contrast these to the perceived biosecurity concerns of conotoxins and research thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walden E. Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Targeting the CaVα-CaVβ interaction yields an antagonist of the N-type CaV2.2 channel with broad antinociceptive efficacy. Pain 2020; 160:1644-1661. [PMID: 30933958 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels is a potential therapy for many neurological diseases including chronic pain. Neuronal CaV1/CaV2 channels are composed of α, β, γ and α2δ subunits. The β subunits of CaV channels are cytoplasmic proteins that increase the surface expression of the pore-forming α subunit of CaV. We targeted the high-affinity protein-protein interface of CaVβ's pocket within the CaVα subunit. Structure-based virtual screening of 50,000 small molecule library docked to the β subunit led to the identification of 2-(3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)-N-((4-((3-phenylpropyl)amino)quinazolin-2-yl)methyl)acetamide (IPPQ). This small molecule bound to CaVβ and inhibited its coupling with N-type voltage-gated calcium (CaV2.2) channels, leading to a reduction in CaV2.2 currents in rat dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons, decreased presynaptic localization of CaV2.2 in vivo, decreased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials and miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials, and inhibited release of the nociceptive neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide from spinal cord. IPPQ did not target opioid receptors nor did it engage inhibitory G protein-coupled receptor signaling. IPPQ was antinociceptive in naive animals and reversed allodynia and hyperalgesia in models of acute (postsurgical) and neuropathic (spinal nerve ligation, chemotherapy- and gp120-induced peripheral neuropathy, and genome-edited neuropathy) pain. IPPQ did not cause akinesia or motor impairment, a common adverse effect of CaV2.2 targeting drugs, when injected into the brain. IPPQ, a quinazoline analog, represents a novel class of CaV2.2-targeting compounds that may serve as probes to interrogate CaVα-CaVβ function and ultimately be developed as a nonopioid therapeutic for chronic pain.
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Bunda A, LaCarubba B, Bertolino M, Akiki M, Bath K, Lopez-Soto J, Lipscombe D, Andrade A. Cacna1b alternative splicing impacts excitatory neurotransmission and is linked to behavioral responses to aversive stimuli. Mol Brain 2019; 12:81. [PMID: 31630675 PMCID: PMC6802325 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0500-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic CaV2.2 channels control calcium entry that triggers neurotransmitter release at both central and peripheral synapses. The Cacna1b gene encodes the α1-pore forming subunit of CaV2.2 channels. Distinct subsets of splice variants of CaV2.2 derived from cell-specific alternative splicing of the Cacna1b pre-mRNA are expressed in specific subpopulations of neurons. Four cell-specific sites of alternative splicing in Cacna1b that alter CaV2.2 channel function have been described in detail: three cassette exons (e18a, e24a, and e31a) and a pair of mutually exclusive exons (e37a/e37b). Cacna1b mRNAs containing e37a are highly enriched in a subpopulation of nociceptors where they influence nociception and morphine analgesia. E37a-Cacna1b mRNAs are also expressed in brain, but their cell-specific expression in this part of the nervous system, their functional consequences in central synapses and their role on complex behavior have not been studied. In this report, we show that e37a-Cacna1b mRNAs are expressed in excitatory projection neurons where CaV2.2 channels are known to influence transmitter release at excitatory inputs from entorhinal cortex (EC) to dentate gyrus (DG). By comparing behaviors of WT mice to those that only express e37b-CaV2.2 channels, we found evidence that e37a-CaV2.2 enhances behavioral responses to aversive stimuli. Our results suggest that alternative splicing of Cacna1b e37a influences excitatory transmitter release and couples to complex behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bunda
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Brianna LaCarubba
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Melanie Bertolino
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Marie Akiki
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Kevin Bath
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, 190 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Javier Lopez-Soto
- Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Arturo Andrade
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824 USA
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21
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Shan Z, Cai S, Yu J, Zhang Z, Vallecillo TGM, Serafini MJ, Thomas AM, Pham NYN, Bellampalli SS, Moutal A, Zhou Y, Xu GB, Xu YM, Luo S, Patek M, Streicher JM, Gunatilaka AAL, Khanna R. Reversal of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain by the Small-Molecule Natural Product Physalin F via Block of CaV2.3 (R-Type) and CaV2.2 (N-Type) Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2939-2955. [PMID: 30946560 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
No universally efficacious therapy exists for chronic pain, a disease affecting one-fifth of the global population. An overreliance on the prescription of opioids for chronic pain despite their poor ability to improve function has led to a national opioid crisis. In 2018, the NIH launched a Helping to End Addiction Long-term plan to spur discovery and validation of novel targets and mechanisms to develop alternative nonaddictive treatment options. Phytochemicals with medicinal properties have long been used for various treatments worldwide. The natural product physalin F, isolated from the Physalis acutifolia (family: Solanaceae) herb, demonstrated antinociceptive effects in models of inflammatory pain, consistent with earlier reports of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. However, the target of action of physalin F remained unknown. Here, using whole-cell and slice electrophysiology, competition binding assays, and experimental models of neuropathic pain, we uncovered a molecular target for physalin F's antinociceptive actions. We found that physalin F (i) blocks CaV2.3 (R-type) and CaV2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, (ii) does not affect CaV3 (T-type) voltage-gated calcium channels or voltage-gated sodium or potassium channels, (iii) does not bind G-protein coupled opioid receptors, (iv) inhibits the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in spinal cord slices, and (v) reverses tactile hypersensitivity in models of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and spinal nerve ligation. Identifying CaV2.2 as a molecular target of physalin F may spur its use as a tool for mechanistic studies and position it as a structural template for future synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital & Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, P.R. China
| | | | - Jie Yu
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Zhongjun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital & Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuan Zhou
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
- BrightRock Path Consulting, LLC, Tucson 85721, Arizona, United States
| | | | | | | | - Marcel Patek
- BrightRock Path Consulting, LLC, Tucson 85721, Arizona, United States
| | | | | | - Rajesh Khanna
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
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22
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High-Voltage-Activated Calcium Channel in the Afferent Pain Pathway: An Important Target of Pain Therapies. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:1073-1084. [PMID: 31065935 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channels are widely expressed in the nervous system. They play an important role in pain conduction by participating in various physiological processes such as synaptic transmission, changes in synaptic plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Available evidence suggests that the HVA channel is an important therapeutic target for pain management. In this review, we summarize the changes in different subtypes of HVA channel during pain and present the currently available evidence from the clinical application of HVA channel blockers. We also review novel drugs in various phases of development. Moreover, we discuss the future prospects of HVA channel blockers in order to promote "bench-to-bedside" translation.
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23
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Oliveira KM, Binda NS, Lavor MSL, Silva CMO, Rosado IR, Gabellini ELA, Da Silva JF, Oliveira CM, Melo MM, Gomez MV, Melo EG. Conotoxin MVIIA improves cell viability and antioxidant system after spinal cord injury in rats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204948. [PMID: 30286181 PMCID: PMC6171875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates whether intrathecal MVIIA injection after spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits neuroprotective effects. The test rats were randomly distributed into six groups— sham, placebo, MVIIA 2.5 μM, MVIIA 5 μM, MVIIA 10 μM, and MVIIA 20 μM—and were administered the treatment four hours after SCI. After the optimal MVIIA dose (MVIIA 10 μM) was defined, the best time for application, one or four hours, was analyzed. Locomotor hind limb function and side effects were assessed. Forty-eight hours after the injury and immediately after euthanasia, spinal cord segments were removed from the test rats. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and glutamate release were investigated. To examine the MVIIA mechanism of action, the gene expressions of pro-apoptotic (Bax, nNOS, and caspase-3, -8, -9, -12) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-xl) factors in the spinal cord tissue samples were determined by real-time PCR, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were also investigated. Application of intrathecal MVIIA 10 μM four hours after SCI prompted a neuroprotective effect: neuronal death decreased (22.46%), oxidative stress diminished, pro-apoptotic factors (Bax, nNOS, and caspase-3, -8) were expressed to a lesser extent, and mitochondrial viability as well as anti-apoptotic factor (Bcl-xl) expression increased. These results suggested that MVIIA provided neuroprotection through antioxidant effects. Indeed, superoxide dismutase (188.41%), and glutathione peroxidase (199.96%), reductase (193.86%), and transferase (175.93%) expressions increased. Therefore, intrathecal MVIIA (MVIIA 10 μM, 4 h) application has neuroprotective potential, and the possible mechanisms are related to antioxidant agent modulation and to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Oliveira
- Clinical and Surgery Department, Veterinary School, Minas Gerais Federal University, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Nancy S. Binda
- Laboratory of Toxins, Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mário Sérgio L. Lavor
- Department of Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carla M. O. Silva
- Clinical and Surgery Department, Veterinary School, Minas Gerais Federal University, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabel R. Rosado
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Uberaba University, Uberada, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana F. Da Silva
- Laboratory of Toxins, Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Marília M. Melo
- Clinical and Surgery Department, Veterinary School, Minas Gerais Federal University, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Gomez
- Laboratory of Toxins, Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eliane G. Melo
- Clinical and Surgery Department, Veterinary School, Minas Gerais Federal University, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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24
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Sousa SR, McArthur JR, Brust A, Bhola RF, Rosengren KJ, Ragnarsson L, Dutertre S, Alewood PF, Christie MJ, Adams DJ, Vetter I, Lewis RJ. Novel analgesic ω-conotoxins from the vermivorous cone snail Conus moncuri provide new insights into the evolution of conopeptides. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13397. [PMID: 30194442 PMCID: PMC6128854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails are a diverse group of predatory marine invertebrates that deploy remarkably complex venoms to rapidly paralyse worm, mollusc or fish prey. ω-Conotoxins are neurotoxic peptides from cone snail venoms that inhibit Cav2.2 voltage-gated calcium channel, demonstrating potential for pain management via intrathecal (IT) administration. Here, we isolated and characterized two novel ω-conotoxins, MoVIA and MoVIB from Conus moncuri, the first to be identified in vermivorous (worm-hunting) cone snails. MoVIA and MoVIB potently inhibited human Cav2.2 in fluorimetric assays and rat Cav2.2 in patch clamp studies, and both potently displaced radiolabeled ω-conotoxin GVIA (125I-GVIA) from human SH-SY5Y cells and fish brain membranes (IC50 2–9 pM). Intriguingly, an arginine at position 13 in MoVIA and MoVIB replaced the functionally critical tyrosine found in piscivorous ω-conotoxins. To investigate its role, we synthesized MoVIB-[R13Y] and MVIIA-[Y13R]. Interestingly, MVIIA-[Y13R] completely lost Cav2.2 activity and MoVIB-[R13Y] had reduced activity, indicating that Arg at position 13 was preferred in these vermivorous ω-conotoxins whereas tyrosine 13 is preferred in piscivorous ω-conotoxins. MoVIB reversed pain behavior in a rat neuropathic pain model, confirming that vermivorous cone snails are a new source of analgesic ω-conotoxins. Given vermivorous cone snails are ancestral to piscivorous species, our findings support the repurposing of defensive venom peptides in the evolution of piscivorous Conidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silmara R Sousa
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Andreas Brust
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rebecca F Bhola
- Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sebastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier - CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Paul F Alewood
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Macdonald J Christie
- Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- IMB Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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25
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Zhou WZ, Zhao TY, Wang ZY, Lu GY, Zhang SZ, Zhang C, Wu N, Li J. Synergistic antinociception between ZC88, an N-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker, and ibuprofen in mouse models of visceral and somatic inflammatory pain. Eur J Pain 2018; 23:46-56. [PMID: 29978517 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A combination of analgesic agents with different mechanisms can induce additive or synergistic analgesia. The N-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (N-VDCC) is a novel therapeutic target for pain control. In addition to providing effective pain relief when used alone, N-VDCC blockers produce synergistic analgesia when used in combination with opiates. However, the interaction between N-VDCC blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remains unclear. METHODS Using isobolographic analysis and composite additive curve analysis, the antinociceptive interaction between ZC88, a selective N-VDCC blocker and ibuprofen, a classical NSAID, was investigated in two mouse models of visceral and somatic inflammatory pain. RESULTS In the acetic acid writhing test, both ZC88 (10.5-42 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and ibuprofen (50-200 mg/kg, orally) produced dose-dependent antinociception, with ED50 values of 27.2 and 100.5 mg/kg, respectively. ZC88 in combination with ibuprofen (ZC88 + ibuprofen) also induced significant antinociception, and isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction at 50% effect level. The experimental ED50 (ED50 mix ) of this combination (34.5 mg/kg) was significantly lower than the theoretical ED50 (ED50 add ; 63.8 mg/kg). Additionally, composite additive curve analysis displayed synergistic interaction at other effect levels. In the formalin test, ZC88 or ibuprofen alone significantly reduced late-phase rather than early-phase pain, with ED50 values of 31.3 and 123.9 mg/kg, respectively. Similarly, both isobolographic analysis and composite additive curve analysis revealed synergistic antinociception of ZC88 + ibuprofen (40.6 mg/kg of ED50 mix vs. 77.6 mg/kg of ED50 add ). CONCLUSION ZC88 in combination with ibuprofen produces synergistic antinociception in mouse models of somatic and visceral inflammatory pain. SIGNIFICANCE Because ZC88 + ibuprofen achieves the same antinociceptive effect at lower doses, the use of this combination could result in fewer dose-related untoward effects. The potentiation of ZC88 on ibuprofen-induced antinociception indicates that N-VDCC blocker has potential benefit to treat severe inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-Z Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - T-Y Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - Z-Y Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - G-Y Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - S-Z Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - C Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - N Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
| | - J Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, China
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26
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Kondo D, Saegusa H, Tanabe T. Involvement of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ pathway for induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 499:253-259. [PMID: 29567475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.03.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury induces neuropathic pain, which is characterized by the tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. N-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) plays pivotal roles in the development of neuropathic pain, since mice lacking Cav2.2, the pore-forming subunit of N-type VDCC, show greatly reduced symptoms of both tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Our study on gene expression profiles of the wild-type and N-type VDCC knockout (KO) spinal cord and several pain-related brain regions after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) injury revealed altered expression of genes encoding catalytic subunits of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling is considered to be very important for cancer development and drugs targeting the molecules in this pathway have been tested in oncology trials. In the present study, we have tested whether the changes in expression of molecules in this pathway in mice having spinal nerve injury are causally related to neuropathic pain. Our results suggest that spinal nerve injury induces activation of N-type VDCC and the following Ca2+ entry through this channel may change the expression of genes encoding PI3K catalytic subunits (p110α and p110γ), Akt, retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) and RXRγ. Furthermore, the blockers of the molecules in this pathway are found to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain both at the spinal and at the supraspinal levels. Thus, the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) pathway would be a hallmark of the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kondo
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan.
| | - Hironao Saegusa
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Tanabe
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan.
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27
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Estrada JA, Kaufman MP. µ-Opioid receptors inhibit the exercise pressor reflex by closing N-type calcium channels but not by opening GIRK channels in rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R693-R699. [PMID: 29341826 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00380.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
µ-Opioid G protein-coupled receptors (MOR) interact with ion channels to decrease neuronal excitability. In humans, intrathecal administration of the MOR agonist fentanyl inhibits the exercise pressor reflex, an effect that can be attributed to either the opening of inward rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) or the closing of N-type calcium channels. The purpose of this study was to determine if the highly selective MOR agonist [d-Ala2, N-MePhe4,Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) attenuates the exercise pressor reflex and which of these two channels are responsible for this effect. In decerebrate rats, we determined the effect of intrathecal injection of either tertiapin-LQ, which blocks the GIRK channel or ω-conotoxin-GVIA, which blocks the N-type calcium channel on the exercise pressor reflex, which was evoked by contracting the triceps surae muscles. Initially, we established that intrathecal injection of DAMGO inhibited the exercise pressor reflex relative to no intrathecal injection or intrathecal saline injection ( P < 0.001, n = 5). We then found that intrathecal injection of two doses of tertiapin-LQ (1 and 10 µg) had no effect on the exercise pressor reflex ( n = 6 and n = 7, respectively; P > 0.05). Importantly, neither dose of tertiapin-LQ prevented the DAMGO-induced inhibition of the exercise pressor reflex. Last, we found that intrathecal injection of ω-conotoxin-GVIA markedly attenuated the exercise pressor reflex ( P < 0.001, n = 7). The cardioaccelerator response to contraction did not appear to be effected in any of the experiments. We conclude that N-type voltage-gated calcium channel inhibition appears to be the mechanism by which MOR activation inhibits the exercise pressor reflex in decerebrate rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Estrada
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc P Kaufman
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
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28
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Dhar D, Poree LR, Yaksh TL. Evolution of the Spinal Delivery of Opiate Analgesics. Neuromodulation 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-805353-9.00065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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29
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Moutal A, Li W, Wang Y, Ju W, Luo S, Cai S, François-Moutal L, Perez-Miller S, Hu J, Dustrude ET, Vanderah TW, Gokhale V, Khanna M, Khanna R. Homology-guided mutational analysis reveals the functional requirements for antinociceptive specificity of collapsin response mediator protein 2-derived peptides. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:2244-2260. [PMID: 28161890 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N-type voltage-gated calcium (Cav 2.2) channels are critical determinants of increased neuronal excitability and neurotransmission accompanying persistent neuropathic pain. Although Cav 2.2 channel antagonists are recommended as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain, calcium-current blocking gabapentinoids inadequately alleviate chronic pain symptoms and often exhibit numerous side effects. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) targets Cav 2.2 channels to the sensory neuron membrane and allosterically modulates their function. A 15-amino-acid peptide (CBD3), derived from CRMP2, disrupts the functional protein-protein interaction between CRMP2 and Cav 2.2 channels to inhibit calcium influx, transmitter release and acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we have mapped the minimal domain of CBD3 necessary for its antinociceptive potential. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Truncated as well as homology-guided mutant versions of CBD3 were generated and assessed using depolarization-evoked calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, binding between CRMP2 and Cav 2.2 channels, whole-cell voltage clamp electrophysiology and behavioural effects in two models of experimental pain: post-surgical pain and HIV-induced sensory neuropathy induced by the viral glycoprotein 120. KEY RESULTS The first six amino acids within CBD3 accounted for all in vitro activity and antinociception. Spinal administration of a prototypical peptide (TAT-CBD3-L5M) reversed pain behaviours. Homology-guided mutational analyses of these six amino acids identified at least two residues, Ala1 and Arg4, as being critical for antinociception in two pain models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results identify an antinociceptive scaffold core in CBD3 that can be used for development of low MW mimetics of CBD3. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Wennan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Weina Ju
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.,Department of Pharmacology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Jackie Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Erik T Dustrude
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Vijay Gokhale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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The Molecular Basis of Toxins' Interactions with Intracellular Signaling via Discrete Portals. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9030107. [PMID: 28300784 PMCID: PMC5371862 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which microbial, plant or animal-secreted toxins exert their action provides the most important element for assessment of human health risks and opens new insights into therapies addressing a plethora of pathologies, ranging from neurological disorders to cancer, using toxinomimetic agents. Recently, molecular and cellular biology dissecting tools have provided a wealth of information on the action of these diverse toxins, yet, an integrated framework to explain their selective toxicity is still lacking. In this review, specific examples of different toxins are emphasized to illustrate the fundamental mechanisms of toxicity at different biochemical, molecular and cellular- levels with particular consideration for the nervous system. The target of primary action has been highlighted and operationally classified into 13 sub-categories. Selected examples of toxins were assigned to each target category, denominated as portal, and the modulation of the different portal’s signaling was featured. The first portal encompasses the plasma membrane lipid domains, which give rise to pores when challenged for example with pardaxin, a fish toxin, or is subject to degradation when enzymes of lipid metabolism such as phospholipases A2 (PLA2) or phospholipase C (PLC) act upon it. Several major portals consist of ion channels, pumps, transporters and ligand gated ionotropic receptors which many toxins act on, disturbing the intracellular ion homeostasis. Another group of portals consists of G-protein-coupled and tyrosine kinase receptors that, upon interaction with discrete toxins, alter second messengers towards pathological levels. Lastly, subcellular organelles such as mitochondria, nucleus, protein- and RNA-synthesis machineries, cytoskeletal networks and exocytic vesicles are also portals targeted and deregulated by other diverse group of toxins. A fundamental concept can be drawn from these seemingly different toxins with respect to the site of action and the secondary messengers and signaling cascades they trigger in the host. While the interaction with the initial portal is largely determined by the chemical nature of the toxin, once inside the cell, several ubiquitous second messengers and protein kinases/ phosphatases pathways are impaired, to attain toxicity. Therefore, toxins represent one of the most promising natural molecules for developing novel therapeutics that selectively target the major cellular portals involved in human physiology and diseases.
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(S)-lacosamide inhibition of CRMP2 phosphorylation reduces postoperative and neuropathic pain behaviors through distinct classes of sensory neurons identified by constellation pharmacology. Pain 2017; 157:1448-1463. [PMID: 26967696 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain affects the life of millions of people. Current treatments have deleterious side effects. We have advanced a strategy for targeting protein interactions which regulate the N-type voltage-gated calcium (CaV2.2) channel as an alternative to direct channel block. Peptides uncoupling CaV2.2 interactions with the axonal collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) were antinociceptive without effects on memory, depression, and reward/addiction. A search for small molecules that could recapitulate uncoupling of the CaV2.2-CRMP2 interaction identified (S)-lacosamide [(S)-LCM], the inactive enantiomer of the Food and Drug Administration-approved antiepileptic drug (R)-lacosamide [(R)-LCM, Vimpat]. We show that (S)-LCM, but not (R)-LCM, inhibits CRMP2 phosphorylation by cyclin dependent kinase 5, a step necessary for driving CaV2.2 activity, in sensory neurons. (S)-lacosamide inhibited depolarization-induced Ca influx with a low micromolar IC50. Voltage-clamp electrophysiology experiments demonstrated a commensurate reduction in Ca currents in sensory neurons after an acute application of (S)-LCM. Using constellation pharmacology, a recently described high content phenotypic screening platform for functional fingerprinting of neurons that uses subtype-selective pharmacological agents to elucidate cell-specific combinations (constellations) of key signaling proteins that define specific cell types, we investigated if (S)-LCM preferentially acts on certain types of neurons. (S)-lacosamide decreased the dorsal root ganglion neurons responding to mustard oil, and increased the number of cells responding to menthol. Finally, (S)-LCM reversed thermal hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia in a model of postoperative pain, and 2 models of neuropathic pain. Thus, using (S)-LCM to inhibit CRMP2 phosphorylation is a novel and efficient strategy to treat pain, which works by targeting specific sensory neuron populations.
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Molecular Engineering of Conus Peptides as Therapeutic Leads. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:229-254. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Yaksh TL, Fisher CJ, Hockman TM, Wiese AJ. Current and Future Issues in the Development of Spinal Agents for the Management of Pain. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:232-259. [PMID: 26861470 PMCID: PMC5412694 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160307145542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting analgesic drugs for spinal delivery reflects the fact that while the conscious experience of pain is mediated supraspinally, input initiated by high intensity stimuli, tissue injury and/or nerve injury is encoded at the level of the spinal dorsal horn and this output informs the brain as to the peripheral environment. This encoding process is subject to strong upregulation resulting in hyperesthetic states and downregulation reducing the ongoing processing of nociceptive stimuli reversing the hyperesthesia and pain processing. The present review addresses the biology of spinal nociceptive processing as relevant to the effects of intrathecally-delivered drugs in altering pain processing following acute stimulation, tissue inflammation/injury and nerve injury. The review covers i) the major classes of spinal agents currently employed as intrathecal analgesics (opioid agonists, alpha 2 agonists; sodium channel blockers; calcium channel blockers; NMDA blockers; GABA A/B agonists; COX inhibitors; ii) ongoing developments in the pharmacology of spinal therapeutics focusing on less studied agents/targets (cholinesterase inhibition; Adenosine agonists; iii) novel intrathecal targeting methodologies including gene-based approaches (viral vectors, plasmids, interfering RNAs); antisense, and toxins (botulinum toxins; resniferatoxin, substance P Saporin); and iv) issues relevant to intrathecal drug delivery (neuraxial drug distribution), infusate delivery profile, drug dosing, formulation and principals involved in the preclinical evaluation of intrathecal drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony L. Yaksh
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Casey J. Fisher
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tyler M. Hockman
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ashley J. Wiese
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
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Bourinet E, Zamponi GW. Block of voltage-gated calcium channels by peptide toxins. Neuropharmacology 2016; 127:109-115. [PMID: 27756538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Venoms from various predatory species, such as fish hunting molluscs scorpions, snakes and arachnids contain a large spectrum of toxins that include blockers of voltage-gated calcium channels. These peptide blockers act by two principal manners - physical occlusion of the pore and prevention of activation gating. Many of the calcium channel-blocking peptides have evolved to tightly occupy their binding pocket on the principal pore forming subunit of the channel, often rendering block poorly reversible. Moreover, several of the best characterized blocking peptides have developed a high degree of channel subtype selectivity. Here we give an overview of different types of calcium channel-blocking toxins, their mechanism of action, channel subtype specificity, and potential use as therapeutic agents. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Bourinet
- Institute for Functional Genomics, CNRS UMR5203, INSERM U1191, University of Montpellier, LABEX ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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Burma NE, Leduc-Pessah H, Fan CY, Trang T. Animal models of chronic pain: Advances and challenges for clinical translation. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:1242-1256. [PMID: 27376591 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a global problem that has reached epidemic proportions. An estimated 20% of adults suffer from pain, and another 10% are diagnosed with chronic pain each year (Goldberg and McGee, ). Despite the high prevalence of chronic pain (an estimated 1.5 billion people are afflicted worldwide), much remains to be understood about the underlying causes of this condition, and there is an urgent requirement for better pain therapies. The discovery of novel targets and the development of better analgesics rely on an assortment of preclinical animal models; however, there are major challenges to translating discoveries made in animal models to realized pain therapies in humans. This review discusses common animal models used to recapitulate clinical chronic pain conditions (such as neuropathic, inflammatory, and visceral pain) and the methods for assessing the sensory and affective components of pain in animals. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of modeling chronic pain in animals as well as highlighting strategies for improving the predictive validity of preclinical pain studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Burma
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Heather Leduc-Pessah
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Churmy Y Fan
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Departments of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Antinociceptive effect of a novel armed spider peptide Tx3-5 in pathological pain models in mice. Pflugers Arch 2016; 468:881-94. [PMID: 26898377 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-016-1801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The venom of the Brazilian armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer is a rich source of biologically active peptides that have potential as analgesic drugs. In this study, we investigated the analgesic and adverse effects of peptide 3-5 (Tx3-5), purified from P. nigriventer venom, in several mouse models of pain. Tx3-5 was administered by intrathecal injection to mice selected as models of postoperative (plantar incision), neuropathic (partial sciatic nerve ligation) and cancer-related pain (inoculation with melanoma cells) in animals that were either sensitive or tolerant to morphine. Intrathecal administration of Tx3-5 (3-300 fmol/site) in mice could either prevent or reverse postoperative nociception, with a 50 % inhibitory dose (ID50) of 16.6 (3.2-87.2) fmol/site and a maximum inhibition of 87 ± 10 % at a dose of 30 fmol/site. Its effect was prevented by the selective activator of L-type calcium channel Bay-K8644 (10 μg/site). Tx3-5 (30 fmol/site) also produced a partial antinociceptive effect in a neuropathic pain model (inhibition of 67 ± 10 %). Additionally, treatment with Tx3-5 (30 fmol/site) nearly abolished cancer-related nociception with similar efficacy in both morphine-sensitive and morphine-tolerant mice (96 ± 7 and 100 % inhibition, respectively). Notably, Tx3-5 did not produce visible adverse effects at doses that produced antinociception and presented a TD50 of 1125 (893-1418) fmol/site. Finally, Tx3-5 did not alter the normal mechanical or thermal sensitivity of the animals or cause immunogenicity. Our results suggest that Tx3-5 is a strong drug candidate for the treatment of painful conditions.
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Adamson Barnes NS, Mitchell VA, Kazantzis NP, Vaughan CW. Actions of the dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL195 in a murine neuropathic pain model. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:77-87. [PMID: 26398331 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While cannabinoids have been proposed as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain, they have limitations. Cannabinoid receptor agonists have good efficacy in animal models of neuropathic pain; they have a poor therapeutic window. Conversely, selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors that enhance the endocannabinoid system have a better therapeutic window, but lesser efficacy. We examined whether JZL195, a dual inhibitor of FAAH and monacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), could overcome these limitations. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH C57BL/6 mice underwent the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. Mechanical and cold allodynia, plus cannabinoid side effects, were assessed in response to systemic drug application. KEY RESULTS JZL195 and the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212 produced dose-dependent reductions in CCI-induced mechanical and cold allodynia, plus side effects including motor incoordination, catalepsy and sedation. JZL195 reduced allodynia with an ED50 at least four times less than that at which it produced side effects. By contrast, WIN55212 reduced allodynia and produce side effects with similar ED50s. The maximal anti-allodynic effect of JZL195 was greater than that produced by selective FAAH, or MAGL inhibitors. The JZL195-induced anti-allodynia was maintained during repeated treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that JZL195 has greater anti-allodynic efficacy than selective FAAH, or MAGL inhibitors, plus a greater therapeutic window than a cannabinoid receptor agonist. Thus, dual FAAH/MAGL inhibition may have greater potential in alleviating neuropathic pain, compared with selective FAAH and MAGL inhibitors, or cannabinoid receptor agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Adamson Barnes
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa A Mitchell
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas P Kazantzis
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher W Vaughan
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, Australia
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Zamponi GW, Striessnig J, Koschak A, Dolphin AC. The Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Their Future Therapeutic Potential. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:821-70. [PMID: 26362469 PMCID: PMC4630564 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 704] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels are required for many key functions in the body. In this review, the different subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels are described and their physiologic roles and pharmacology are outlined. We describe the current uses of drugs interacting with the different calcium channel subtypes and subunits, as well as specific areas in which there is strong potential for future drug development. Current therapeutic agents include drugs targeting L-type Ca(V)1.2 calcium channels, particularly 1,4-dihydropyridines, which are widely used in the treatment of hypertension. T-type (Ca(V)3) channels are a target of ethosuximide, widely used in absence epilepsy. The auxiliary subunit α2δ-1 is the therapeutic target of the gabapentinoid drugs, which are of value in certain epilepsies and chronic neuropathic pain. The limited use of intrathecal ziconotide, a peptide blocker of N-type (Ca(V)2.2) calcium channels, as a treatment of intractable pain, gives an indication that these channels represent excellent drug targets for various pain conditions. We describe how selectivity for different subtypes of calcium channels (e.g., Ca(V)1.2 and Ca(V)1.3 L-type channels) may be achieved in the future by exploiting differences between channel isoforms in terms of sequence and biophysical properties, variation in splicing in different target tissues, and differences in the properties of the target tissues themselves in terms of membrane potential or firing frequency. Thus, use-dependent blockers of the different isoforms could selectively block calcium channels in particular pathologies, such as nociceptive neurons in pain states or in epileptic brain circuits. Of important future potential are selective Ca(V)1.3 blockers for neuropsychiatric diseases, neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease, and resistant hypertension. In addition, selective or nonselective T-type channel blockers are considered potential therapeutic targets in epilepsy, pain, obesity, sleep, and anxiety. Use-dependent N-type calcium channel blockers are likely to be of therapeutic use in chronic pain conditions. Thus, more selective calcium channel blockers hold promise for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (G.W.Z.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (J.S., A.K.); and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom (A.C.D.)
| | - Joerg Striessnig
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (G.W.Z.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (J.S., A.K.); and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom (A.C.D.)
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (G.W.Z.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (J.S., A.K.); and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom (A.C.D.)
| | - Annette C Dolphin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (G.W.Z.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (J.S., A.K.); and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom (A.C.D.)
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Wang F, Yan Z, Liu Z, Wang S, Wu Q, Yu S, Ding J, Dai Q. Molecular basis of toxicity of N-type calcium channel inhibitor MVIIA. Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:137-45. [PMID: 26344359 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
MVIIA (ziconotide) is a specific inhibitor of N-type calcium channel, Cav2.2. It is derived from Cone snail and currently used for the treatment of severe chronic pains in patients unresponsive to opioid therapy. However, MVIIA produces severe side-effects, including dizziness, nystagmus, somnolence, abnormal gait, and ataxia, that limit its wider application. We previously identified a novel inhibitor of Cav2.2, ω-conopeptide SO-3, which possesses similar structure and analgesic activity to MVIIA's. To investigate the key residues for MVIIA toxicity, MVIIA/SO-3 hybrids and MVIIA variants carrying mutations in its loop 2 were synthesized. The substitution of MVIIA's loop 1 with the loop 1 of SO-3 resulted in significantly reduced Cav2.2 binding activity in vitro; the replacement of MVIIA loop 2 by the loop 2 of SO-3 not only enhanced the peptide/Cav2.2 binding but also decreased its toxicity on goldfish, attenuated mouse tremor symptom, spontaneous locomotor activity, and coordinated locomotion function. Further mutation analysis and molecular calculation revealed that the toxicity of MVIIA mainly arose from Met(12) in the loop 2, and this residue inserts into a hydrophobic hole (Ile(300), Phe(302) and Leu(305)) located between repeats II and III of Cav2.2. The combinative mutations of the loop 2 of MVIIA or other ω-conopeptides may be used for future development of more effective Cav2.2 inhibitors with lower side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhuguo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Qiaoling Wu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shuo Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jiuping Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Qiuyun Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
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Rahman W, Patel R, Dickenson AH. Electrophysiological evidence for voltage-gated calcium channel 2 (Cav2) modulation of mechano- and thermosensitive spinal neuronal responses in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Neuroscience 2015; 305:76-85. [PMID: 26247695 PMCID: PMC4564012 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.07.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
MIA-dependent antinociceptive effect of TROX-1 on neuronal activity. Alterations in Cav2.2 channel function contribute to osteoarthritic (OA) pain. Blocking Cav2.2 channels has therapeutic potential for treating OA pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA) remains one of the greatest healthcare burdens in western society, with chronic debilitating pain-dominating clinical presentation yet therapeutic strategies are inadequate in many patients. Development of better analgesics is contingent on improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating OA pain. Voltage-gated calcium channels 2.2 (Cav2.2) play a critical role in spinal nociceptive transmission, therefore blocking Cav2.2 activity represents an attractive opportunity for OA pain treatment, but the only available licensed Cav2.2 antagonist ziconitide (PrilatTM) is of limited use. TROX-1 is an orally available, use dependent and state-selective Cav2 antagonist, exerting its analgesic effect primarily via Cav2.2 blockade, with an improved therapeutic window compared with ziconitide. Using a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA), 2 mg, induced OA we used in vivo electrophysiology to assess the effects of spinal or systemic administration of TROX-1 on the evoked activity of wide dynamic range spinal dorsal horn neurons in response to electrical, natural mechanical (dynamic brush and von Frey 2, 8, 26 and 6 g) and thermal (40, 45 and 45 °C) stimuli applied to the peripheral receptive field. MIA injection into the knee joint resulted in mechanical hypersensitivity of the ipsilateral hind paw and weight-bearing asymmetry. Spinal administration of TROX-1 (0.1 and 1 μg/50 μl) produced a significant dose-related inhibition of dynamic brush, mechanical (von Frey filament (vF) 8, 26 and 60 g) and noxious thermal-(45 and 48 °C) evoked neuronal responses in MIA rats only. Systemic administration of TROX-1 produced a significant inhibition of the mechanical-(vF 8, 26 and 60 g) evoked neuronal responses in MIA rats. TROX-1 did not produce any significant effect on any neuronal measure in Sham controls. Our in vivo electrophysiological results demonstrate a pathological state-dependent effect of TROX-1, which suggests an increased functional role of Cav2, likely Cav2.2, channels in mediating OA pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Rahman
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - R Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A H Dickenson
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Ogiyama T, Yonezawa K, Inoue M, Watanabe T, Sugano Y, Gotoh T, Kiso T, Koakutsu A, Kakimoto S, Shishikura JI. Discovery of a 1-isopropyltetrahydroisoquinoline derivative as an orally active N-type calcium channel blocker for neuropathic pain. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:4624-4637. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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François-Moutal L, Wang Y, Moutal A, Cottier KE, Melemedjian OK, Yang X, Wang Y, Ju W, Largent-Milnes TM, Khanna M, Vanderah TW, Khanna R. A membrane-delimited N-myristoylated CRMP2 peptide aptamer inhibits CaV2.2 trafficking and reverses inflammatory and postoperative pain behaviors. Pain 2015; 156:1247-1264. [PMID: 25782368 PMCID: PMC5766324 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeting proteins within the N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2) complex has proven to be an effective strategy for developing novel pain therapeutics. We describe a novel peptide aptamer derived from the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a CaV2.2-regulatory protein. Addition of a 14-carbon myristate group to the peptide (myr-tat-CBD3) tethered it to the membrane of primary sensory neurons near surface CaV2.2. Pull-down studies demonstrated that myr-tat-CBD3 peptide interfered with the CRMP2-CaV2.2 interaction. Quantitative confocal immunofluorescence revealed a pronounced reduction of CaV2.2 trafficking after myr-tat-CBD3 treatment and increased efficiency in disrupting CRMP2-CaV2.2 colocalization compared with peptide tat-CBD3. Consequently, myr-tat-CBD3 inhibited depolarization-induced calcium influx in sensory neurons. Voltage clamp electrophysiology experiments revealed a reduction of Ca, but not Na, currents in sensory neurons after myr-tat-CBD3 exposure. Current clamp electrophysiology experiments demonstrated a reduction in excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons after exposure to myr-tat-CBD3. Myr-tat-CBD3 was effective in significantly attenuating carrageenan-induced thermal hypersensitivity and reversing thermal hypersensitivity induced by a surgical incision of the plantar surface of the rat hind paw, a model of postoperative pain. These effects are compared with those of tat-CBD3-the nonmyristoylated tat-conjugated CRMP2 peptide as well as scrambled versions of CBD3 and CBD3-lacking control peptides. Our results demonstrate that the myristoyl tag enhances intracellular delivery and local concentration of the CRMP2 peptide aptamer near membrane-delimited calcium channels resulting in pronounced interference with the calcium channel complex, superior suppression of calcium influx, and better antinociceptive potential.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Aptamers, Peptide/genetics
- Aptamers, Peptide/metabolism
- Aptamers, Peptide/therapeutic use
- Calcium Channels, N-Type/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/therapeutic use
- Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy
- Pain, Postoperative/genetics
- Pain, Postoperative/metabolism
- Protein Transport/drug effects
- Protein Transport/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Karissa E. Cottier
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Xiaofang Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yuying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Weina Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | | | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conotoxins are a large family of bioactive peptides derived from cone snail venom. They target specific classes of ion channels and other membrane proteins and may have therapeutic value, primarily in the management of pain. AREAS COVERED The authors surveyed the US patent literature covering conotoxins, and their potential therapeutic applications. They describe the various subclasses of conotoxins that are the subject of current patent applications and their therapeutic indications. Limitations that may preclude broader application of these molecules are discussed and strategies for overcoming these limitations are presented. EXPERT OPINION Despite more than 25 years of intense global conotoxin research, only one molecule has successfully reached the market. Several other conotoxin-derived candidates failed in clinical trials, indicating that 'from the bench into the clinic' translation has been more difficult than originally anticipated. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that the potent activities of these molecules and the potential for improving their biopharmaceutical properties may lead to next-generation drug candidates with favorable pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Durek
- a The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience , Brisbane 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- a The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience , Brisbane 4072, QLD, Australia
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Fairbanks CA, Goracke-Postle CJ. Neurobiological studies of chronic pain and analgesia: Rationale and refinements. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 759:169-81. [PMID: 25818751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex condition for which the need for specialized research and therapies has been recognized internationally. This review summarizes the context for the international call for expansion of pain research to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pain in order to achieve improvements in pain management. The methods for conducting sensory assessment in animal models are discussed and the development of animal models of chronic pain is specifically reviewed, with an emphasis on ongoing refinements to more closely mimic a variety of human pain conditions. Pharmacological correspondences between pre-clinical pain models and the human clinical experience are noted. A discussion of the 3Rs Framework (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and how each may be considered in pain research is featured. Finally, suggestions are provided for engaging principal investigators, IACUC reviewers, and institutions in the development of strong partnerships to simultaneously expand our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying pain and analgesia while ensuring the humane use of animals in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Fairbanks
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmaceutics, Minneapolis, MN, USA; University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis, MN, USA; University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Cory J Goracke-Postle
- University of Minnesota, Office of the Vice President for Research, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Ashraf S. Editorial: voltage-gated calcium 2.2 channels: therapeutic target for chronic arthritic pain? Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:1416-8. [PMID: 25733131 DOI: 10.1002/art.39092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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46
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Webster LR. The Relationship Between the Mechanisms of Action and Safety Profiles of Intrathecal Morphine and Ziconotide: A Review of the Literature. PAIN MEDICINE 2015; 16:1265-77. [PMID: 25645109 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better characterize safety profiles associated with the intrathecal (IT) administration of morphine and ziconotide and discuss how they relate to mechanisms of action. METHODS Published data were evaluated to identify potential relationships between safety profiles of IT morphine and IT ziconotide and their mechanisms of action. RESULTS Potentially severe and clinically relevant adverse events (AEs) associated with IT morphine include respiratory depression, tolerance, and granuloma formulation, whereas IT ziconotide is associated with neuropsychiatric AEs, such as cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and changes in mood or consciousness, particularly with high doses and rapid titration. AEs associated with these IT therapies may result from spread of the medication out of the IT space into areas of the central and peripheral nervous systems and systemic circulation. AEs that occur usually can be managed and, in some cases, prevented. To mitigate risk, patients' histories should be reviewed to identify potential complicating factors (e.g., obesity or other risk factors for respiratory dysfunction in patients receiving IT morphine; a history of psychosis in patients receiving IT ziconotide). Also, treatment should be initiated at a low dose, titrated slowly, and patients should be closely monitored during treatment. CONCLUSIONS IT morphine and IT ziconotide are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for patients who do not respond to less invasive treatments, but the safety profiles of each may make them more or less appropriate for certain patient populations.
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Berecki G, Daly NL, Huang YH, Vink S, Craik DJ, Alewood PF, Adams DJ. Effects of arginine 10 to lysine substitution on ω-conotoxin CVIE and CVIF block of Cav2.2 channels. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:3313-27. [PMID: 24628243 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE ω-Conotoxins CVIE and CVIF (CVIE&F) selectively inhibit Cav2.2 channels and are lead molecules in the development of novel analgesics. At physiological membrane potentials, CVIE&F block of Cav2.2 channels is weakly reversible. To improve reversibility, we designed and synthesized arginine CVIE&F analogues in which arginine was substituted for lysine at position 10 ([R10K]CVIE&F), and investigated their serum stability and pharmacological actions on voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in peptide structure due to R10K substitution were assessed by NMR. Peptide stability in human serum was analysed by reversed-phase HPLC and MS over a 24 h period. Two-electrode voltage-clamp and whole-cell patch clamp techniques were used to study [R10K]CVIE&F effects on VGCC currents in Xenopus oocytes and rat dorsal root ganglion neurons respectively. KEY RESULTS R10K substitution did not change the conserved ω-conotoxin backbone conformations of CVIE&F nor the ω-conotoxin selectivity for recombinant or native Cav2.2 channels, although the inhibitory potency of [R10K]CVIF was better than that of CVIF. At -80 mV, the R10K chemical modification significantly affected ω-conotoxin-channel interaction, resulting in faster onset kinetics than those of CVIE&F. Heterologous and native Cav2.2 channels recovered better from [R10K]CVIE&F block than CVIE&F. In human serum, the ω-conotoxin half-lives were 6-10 h. CVIE&F and [R10K]CVIE&F were more stable than CVID. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS R10K substitution in CVIE&F significantly alters the kinetics of ω-conotoxin action and improves reversibility without diminishing conotoxin potency and specificity for the Cav2.2 channel and without diminishing the serum stability. These results may help generate ω-conotoxins with optimized kinetic profiles for target binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Berecki
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Jayamanne A, Jeong HJ, Schroeder CI, Lewis RJ, Christie MJ, Vaughan CW. Spinal actions of ω-conotoxins, CVID, MVIIA and related peptides in a rat neuropathic pain model. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:245-54. [PMID: 23713957 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Antagonists of the N-type voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC), Cav 2.2, have a potentially important role in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. ω-conotoxins, such MVIIA and CVID are effective in neuropathic pain models. CVID is reported to have a greater therapeutic index than MVIIA in neuropathic pain models, and it has been suggested that this is due to faster reversibility of binding, but it is not known whether this can be improved further. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the potency of CVID, MVIIA and two intermediate hybrids ([K10R]CVID and [R10K]MVIIA) to reverse signs of neuropathic pain in a rat nerve ligation model in parallel with production of side effects. We also examined the potency and reversibility to inhibit primary afferent synaptic neurotransmission in rat spinal cord slices. KEY RESULTS All ω-conotoxins produced dose-dependent reduction in mechanical allodynia. They also produced side effects on the rotarod test and in a visual side-effect score. CVID displayed a marginally better therapeutic index than MVIIA. The hybrids had a lesser effect in the rotarod test than either of their parent peptides. Finally, the conotoxins all presynaptically inhibited excitatory synaptic neurotransmission into the dorsal horn and displayed recovery that was largely dependent upon the magnitude of inhibition and not the conotoxin type. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate that CVID provides only a marginal improvement over MVIIA in a preclinical model of neuropathic pain, which appears to be unrelated to reversibility from binding. Hybrids of these conotoxins might provide viable alternative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jayamanne
- Pain Management Research Institute, Kolling Institute, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bourinet E, Altier C, Hildebrand ME, Trang T, Salter MW, Zamponi GW. Calcium-permeable ion channels in pain signaling. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:81-140. [PMID: 24382884 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00023.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and processing of painful stimuli in afferent sensory neurons is critically dependent on a wide range of different types of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, including sodium, calcium, and TRP channels, to name a few. The functions of these channels include the detection of mechanical and chemical insults, the generation of action potentials and regulation of neuronal firing patterns, the initiation of neurotransmitter release at dorsal horn synapses, and the ensuing activation of spinal cord neurons that project to pain centers in the brain. Long-term changes in ion channel expression and function are thought to contribute to chronic pain states. Many of the channels involved in the afferent pain pathway are permeable to calcium ions, suggesting a role in cell signaling beyond the mere generation of electrical activity. In this article, we provide a broad overview of different calcium-permeable ion channels in the afferent pain pathway and their role in pain pathophysiology.
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50
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Abstract
Chronic pain is a major therapeutic problem as the current treatment options are unsatisfactory with low efficacy and deleterious side effects. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), which are multi-complex proteins consisting of α1, β, γ, and α2δ subunits, play an important role in pain signaling. These channels are involved in neurogenic inflammation, excitability, and neurotransmitter release in nociceptors. It has been previously shown that N-type VGCCs (Cav2.2) are a major pain target. U.S. FDA approval of three Cav2.2 antagonists, gabapentin, pregabalin, and ziconotide, for chronic pain underlies the importance of this channel subtype. Also, there has been increasing evidence that L-type (Cav1.2) or T-type (Cav3.2) VGCCs may be involved in pain signaling and chronic pain. In order to develop novel pain therapeutics and to understand the role of VGCC subtypes, discovering subtype selective VGCC inhibitors or methods that selectively target the inhibitor into nociceptors would be essential. This review describes the various VGCC subtype inhibitors and the potential of utilizing VGCC subtypes as targets of chronic pain. Development of VGCC subtype inhibitors and targeting them into nociceptors will contribute to a better understanding of the roles of VGCC subtypes in pain at a spinal level as well as development of a novel class of analgesics for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungkyu Lee
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston MA 02115 USA; ; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115 USA
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