1
|
St. Onge C, Pagare PP, Zheng Y, Arriaga M, Stevens DL, Mendez RE, Poklis JL, Halquist MS, Selley DE, Dewey WL, Banks ML, Zhang Y. Systematic Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Nalfurafine Analogues toward Development of Potentially Nonaddictive Pain Management Treatments. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9552-9574. [PMID: 38814086 PMCID: PMC11181328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Despite the availability of numerous pain medications, the current array of Food and Drug Administration-approved options falls short in adequately addressing pain states for numerous patients and consequently worsens the opioid crisis. Thus, it is imperative for basic research to develop novel and nonaddictive pain medications. Toward addressing this clinical goal, nalfurafine (NLF) was chosen as a lead and its structure-activity relationship (SAR) systematically studied through design, syntheses, and in vivo characterization of 24 analogues. Two analogues, 21 and 23, showed longer durations of action than NLF in a warm-water tail immersion assay, produced in vivo effects primarily mediated by KOR and DOR, penetrated the blood-brain barrier, and did not function as reinforcers. Additionally, 21 produced fewer sedative effects than NLF. Taken together, these results aid the understanding of NLF SAR and provide insights for future endeavors in developing novel nonaddictive therapeutics to treat pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celsey
M. St. Onge
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Piyusha P. Pagare
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Michelle Arriaga
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David L. Stevens
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rolando E. Mendez
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 410 North
12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Matthew S. Halquist
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 410 North
12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Dana E. Selley
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - William L. Dewey
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Matthew L. Banks
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth
University, 800 E. Leigh
Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia
Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kellogg GE, Cen Y, Dukat M, Ellis KC, Guo Y, Li J, May AE, Safo MK, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Desai UR. Merging cultures and disciplines to create a drug discovery ecosystem at Virginia commonwealth university: Medicinal chemistry, structural biology, molecular and behavioral pharmacology and computational chemistry. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:255-269. [PMID: 36863508 PMCID: PMC10619687 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The Department of Medicinal Chemistry, together with the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has evolved, organically with quite a bit of bootstrapping, into a unique drug discovery ecosystem in response to the environment and culture of the university and the wider research enterprise. Each faculty member that joined the department and/or institute added a layer of expertise, technology and most importantly, innovation, that fertilized numerous collaborations within the University and with outside partners. Despite moderate institutional support with respect to a typical drug discovery enterprise, the VCU drug discovery ecosystem has built and maintained an impressive array of facilities and instrumentation for drug synthesis, drug characterization, biomolecular structural analysis and biophysical analysis, and pharmacological studies. Altogether, this ecosystem has had major impacts on numerous therapeutic areas, such as neurology, psychiatry, drugs of abuse, cancer, sickle cell disease, coagulopathy, inflammation, aging disorders and others. Novel tools and strategies for drug discovery, design and development have been developed at VCU in the last five decades; e.g., fundamental rational structure-activity relationship (SAR)-based drug design, structure-based drug design, orthosteric and allosteric drug design, design of multi-functional agents towards polypharmacy outcomes, principles on designing glycosaminoglycans as drugs, and computational tools and algorithms for quantitative SAR (QSAR) and understanding the roles of water and the hydrophobic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glen E Kellogg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA.
| | - Yana Cen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Malgorzata Dukat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Keith C Ellis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Youzhong Guo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Aaron E May
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Martin K Safo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0540, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Olson KM, Campbell A, Alt A, Traynor JR. Finding the Perfect Fit: Conformational Biosensors to Determine the Efficacy of GPCR Ligands. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:694-709. [PMID: 36110374 PMCID: PMC9469492 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are highly druggable targets that adopt numerous conformations. A ligand's ability to stabilize specific conformation(s) of its cognate receptor determines its efficacy or ability to produce a biological response. Identifying ligands that produce different receptor conformations and potentially discrete pharmacological effects (e.g., biased agonists, partial agonists, antagonists, allosteric modulators) is a major goal in drug discovery and necessary to develop drugs with better effectiveness and fewer side effects. Fortunately, direct measurements of ligand efficacy, via receptor conformational changes are possible with the recent development of conformational biosensors. In this review, we discuss classical efficacy models, including the two-state model, the ternary-complex model, and multistate models. We describe how nanobody-, transducer-, and receptor-based conformational biosensors detect and/or stabilize specific GPCR conformations to identify ligands with different levels of efficacy. In particular, conformational biosensors provide the potential to identify and/or characterize therapeutically desirable but often difficult to measure conformations of receptors faster and better than current methods. For drug discovery/development, several recent proof-of-principle studies have optimized conformational biosensors for high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms. However, their widespread use is limited by the fact that few sensors are reliably capable of detecting low-frequency conformations and technically demanding assay conditions. Nonetheless, conformational biosensors do help identify desirable ligands such as allosteric modulators, biased ligands, or partial agonists in a single assay, representing a distinct advantage over classical methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Andra Campbell
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - John R. Traynor
- Department
of Pharmacology and Edward F Domino Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United
States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang B, Gunta R, Wang H, Li M, Cao D, Mendez RE, Gillespie JC, Chen C, Huang LHM, Liu-Chen LY, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Verifying the role of 3-hydroxy of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-3,14β-dihydroxy-6β-[(4'-pyridyl) carboxamido]morphinan derivatives via their binding affinity and selectivity profiles on opioid receptors. Bioorg Chem 2021; 109:104702. [PMID: 33631465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the role of 3-hydroxy group of a series of epoxymorphinan derivatives in their binding affinity and selectivity profiles toward the opioid receptors (ORs) has been investigated. It was found that the 3-hydroxy group was crucial for the binding affinity of these derivatives for all three ORs due to the fact that all the analogues 1a-e exhibited significantly higher binding affinities compared to their counterpart 3-dehydroxy ones 6a-e. Meanwhile most compounds carrying the 3-hydroxy group possessed similar selectivity profiles for the kappa opioid receptor over the mu opioid receptor as their corresponding 3-dehydroxy derivatives. [35S]-GTPγS functional assay results indicated that the 3-hydroxy group of these epoxymorphinan derivatives was important for maintaining their potency on the ORs with various effects. Further molecular modeling studies helped comprehend the remarkably different binding affinity and functional profiles between compound 1c (NCP) and its 3-dehydroxy analogue 6c.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Rama Gunta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Mengchu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Danni Cao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, MERB 851, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Chongguang Chen
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, MERB 851, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Lan-Hsuan M Huang
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, MERB 851, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, MERB 851, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Artali R, Azzam AAH, Lambert DG, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Janecka A. Pharmacological Characterization of µ-Opioid Receptor Agonists with Biased G Protein or β-Arrestin Signaling, and Computational Study of Conformational Changes during Receptor Activation. Molecules 2020; 26:E13. [PMID: 33375124 PMCID: PMC7792944 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, G protein vs. β-arrestin biased agonism at opioid receptors has been proposed as an opportunity to produce antinociception with reduced adverse effects. However, at present this approach is highly debated, a reason why more information about biased ligands is required. While the practical relevance of bias in the case of µ-opioid receptors (MOP) still needs to be validated, it remains important to understand the basis of this bias of MOP (and other GPCRs). Recently, we reported two cyclopeptides with high affinity for MOP, the G protein biased Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-pCF3-Phe-Asp]NH2 (F-81), and the β-arrestin 2 biased Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 (C-33), as determined by calcium mobilization assay and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based assay. The biased character of F-81 and C-33 has been further analyzed in the [35S]GTPγS binding assay in human MOP-expressing cells, and the PathHunter enzyme complementation assay, used to measure β-arrestin 2 recruitment. To investigate the structural features of peptide-MOP complexes, we performed conformational analysis by NMR spectroscopy, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. These studies predicted that the two ligands form alternative complexes with MOP, engaging specific ligand-receptor contacts. This would induce different displays of the cytosolic side of the seven-helices bundle, in particular by stabilizing different angulations of helix 6, that could favor intracellular coupling to either G protein or β-arrestin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Artali
- Scientia Advice, di Roberto Artali, Desio, 20832 Monza and Brianza, Italy;
| | - Ammar A. H. Azzam
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE27LX, UK; (A.A.H.A.); (D.G.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babylon 51002, Iraq
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE27LX, UK; (A.A.H.A.); (D.G.L.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Krüll J, Fehler SK, Hofmann L, Nebel N, Maschauer S, Prante O, Gmeiner P, Lanig H, Hübner H, Heinrich MR. Synthesis, Radiosynthesis and Biological Evaluation of Buprenorphine-Derived Phenylazocarboxamides as Novel μ-Opioid Receptor Ligands. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1175-1186. [PMID: 32378310 PMCID: PMC7383964 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Targeted structural modifications have led to a novel type of buprenorphine-derived opioid receptor ligand displaying an improved selectivity profile for the μ-OR subtype. On this basis, it is shown that phenylazocarboxamides may serve as useful bioisosteric replacements for the widely occurring cinnamide units, without loss of OR binding affinity or subtype selectivity. This study further includes functional experiments pointing to weak partial agonist properties of the novel μ-OR ligands, as well as docking and metabolism experiments. Finally, the unique bifunctional character of phenylazocarboxylates, herein serving as precursors for the azocarboxamide subunit, was exploited to demonstrate the accessibility of an 18 F-fluorinated analogue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Krüll
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Stefanie K. Fehler
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Laura Hofmann
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Natascha Nebel
- Department of Nuclear MedicineMolecular Imaging and RadiochemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergSchwabachanlage 1291054ErlangenGermany
| | - Simone Maschauer
- Department of Nuclear MedicineMolecular Imaging and RadiochemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergSchwabachanlage 1291054ErlangenGermany
| | - Olaf Prante
- Department of Nuclear MedicineMolecular Imaging and RadiochemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergSchwabachanlage 1291054ErlangenGermany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Lanig
- Central Institute for Scientific Computing (ZISC)Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergMartensstr. 5a91058ErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Markus R. Heinrich
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Turnaturi R, Chiechio S, Salerno L, Rescifina A, Pittalà V, Cantarella G, Tomarchio E, Parenti C, Pasquinucci L. Progress in the development of more effective and safer analgesics for pain management. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111701. [PMID: 31550662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioid analgesics have been used for thousands of years in the treatment of pain and related disorders, and have become among the most widely prescribed medications. Among opioid analgesics, mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists are the most commonly used and are indicated for acute and chronic pain management. However, their use results in a plethora of well-described side-effects. From selective delta opioid receptor (DOR) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists to multitarget MOR/DOR and MOR/KOR ligands, medicinal chemistry provided different approaches aimed at the development of opioid analgesics with an improved pharmacological and tolerability fingerprint. The emergent medicinal chemistry strategy to develop ameliorated opioid analgesics is based upon the concept that functional selectivity for G-protein signalling is necessary for the therapeutic effect, whether β-arrestin recruitment is mainly responsible for the manifestation of side effects, including the development of tolerance after repeated administrations. This review summarises most relevant biased MOR, DOR, KOR and multitarget MOR/DOR ligands synthesised in the last decade and their pharmacological profile in "in vitro" and "in vivo" studies. Such biased ligands could have a significant impact on modern drug discovery and represent a new strategy for the development of better-tolerated drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Obeng S, Yuan Y, Jali A, Selley DE, Zhang Y. In vitro and in vivo functional profile characterization of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6α-(isoquinoline-3-carboxamido)morphinan (NAQ) as a low efficacy mu opioid receptor modulator. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 827:32-40. [PMID: 29530590 PMCID: PMC5890425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has shown that downstream signaling by mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists that recruit β-arrestin2 may lead to the development of tolerance. Also, it has been suggested that opioid receptor desensitization and cyclic AMP overshoot contributes to the development of tolerance and occurrence of withdrawal, respectively. Therefore, studies were conducted with 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6α-(isoquinoline-3-carboxamido)morphinan (NAQ), a MOR selective partial agonist discovered in our laboratory, to characterize its effect on β-arrestin2 recruitment and precipitation of a cyclic AMP overshoot. DAMGO, a MOR full agonist dose-dependently increased β-arrestin2 association with the MOR, whereas NAQ did not. Moreover, NAQ displayed significant, concentration-dependent antagonism of DAMGO-induced β-arrestin2 recruitment. After prolonged morphine treatment of mMOR-CHO cells, there was a significant overshoot of cAMP upon exposure to naloxone, but not NAQ. Moreover, prolonged incubation of mMOR-CHO cells with NAQ did not result in desensitization nor downregulation of the MOR. In functional studies comparing NAQ with nalbuphine in the cAMP inhibition, Ca2+ flux and [35S]GTPγS binding assays, NAQ did not show agonism in the Ca2+ flux assay but showed partial agonism in the cAMP and [35S]GTPγS assays. Also, NAQ significantly antagonized DAMGO-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase. In conclusion, NAQ is a low efficacy MOR modulator that lacks β-arrestin2 recruitment function and does not induce cellular hallmarks of MOR adaptation and fails to precipitate a cellular manifestation of withdrawal in cells pretreated with morphine. These characteristics are desirable if NAQ is pursued for opioid abuse treatment development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh Street, P.O. Box 980540, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Yunyun Yuan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh Street, P.O. Box 980540, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Abdulmajeed Jali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1112 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1112 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh Street, P.O. Box 980540, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
This paper is the thirty-ninth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2016 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li X, He W, Chen Y, Yang G, Wan H, Zhang L, Hu Q, Feng J, Zhang Z, He F, Bai C, Zhang L, You L, Tao W. Discovery of SHR9352: A Highly Potent G Protein-Biased μ-Opioid Receptor Agonist. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:9261-9267. [PMID: 31457439 PMCID: PMC6645658 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b01452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recently, targeting the G protein-biased signaling has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for treating severe acute pain with the potential to reduce the side effect of the traditional opioid drug. Herein, we describe the discovery of a highly potent G protein-biased μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, SHR9352. This novel molecule exhibited excellent MOR activity and limited β-arrestin recruitment, as well as a high selectivity over κ-opioid receptor and δ-opioid receptor demonstrated robust in vivo efficacy and displayed favorable pharmacokinetic properties across species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Guimei Yang
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Hong Wan
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Qiyue Hu
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Zhigao Zhang
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Feng He
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Chang Bai
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- Jiangsu
Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd., Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222047, China
| | - Li You
- Department
of Anaesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai
Cancer Center, 270 Dongan
Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weikang Tao
- Shanghai
Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Madariaga-Mazón A, Marmolejo-Valencia AF, Li Y, Toll L, Houghten RA, Martinez-Mayorga K. Mu-Opioid receptor biased ligands: A safer and painless discovery of analgesics? Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:1719-1729. [PMID: 28743488 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biased activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is shifting drug discovery efforts and appears promising for the development of safer drugs. The most effective analgesics to treat acute pain are agonists of the μ opioid receptor (μ-OR), a member of the GPCR superfamily. However, the analgesic use of opioid drugs, such as morphine, is hindered by adverse effects. Only a few μ-OR agonists have been reported to selectively activate the Gi over β-arrestin signaling pathway, resulting in lower gastrointestinal dysfunction and respiratory suppression. Here, we discuss the strategies that led to the development of biased μ-OR agonists, and potential areas for improvement, with an emphasis on structural aspects of the ligand-receptor recognition process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Madariaga-Mazón
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Andrés F Marmolejo-Valencia
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Yangmei Li
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Richard A Houghten
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Karina Martinez-Mayorga
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Spierling SR, Zorrilla EP. Don't stress about CRF: assessing the translational failures of CRF 1antagonists. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1467-1481. [PMID: 28265716 PMCID: PMC5420464 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4556-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dr. Athina Markou sought treatments for a common neural substrate shared by depression and drug dependence. Antagonists of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors, a target of interest to her, have not reached the clinic despite strong preclinical rationale and sustained translational efforts. METHODS We explore potential causes for the failure of CRF1 antagonists and review recent findings concerning CRF-CRF1 systems in psychopathology. RESULTS Potential causes for negative outcomes include (1) poor safety and efficacy of initial drug candidates due to bad pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties, (2) specificity problems with preclinical screens, (3) the acute nature of screens vs. late-presenting patients, (4) positive preclinical results limited to certain models and conditions with dynamic CRF-CRF1 activation not homologous to tested patients, (5) repeated CRF1 activation-induced plasticity that reduces the importance of ongoing CRF1 agonist stimulation, and (6) therapeutic silencing which may need to address CRF2 receptor or CRF-binding protein molecules, constitutive CRF1 activity, or molecules that influence agonist-independent activity or to target structural regions other than the allosteric site bound by all drug candidates. We describe potential markers of activation towards individualized treatment, human genetic, and functional data that still implicate CRF1 systems in emotional disturbance, sex differences, and suggestive clinical findings for CRF1 antagonists in food craving and CRF-driven HPA-axis overactivation. CONCLUSION The therapeutic scope of selective CRF1 antagonists now appears narrower than had been hoped. Yet, much remains to be learned about CRF's role in the neurobiology of dysphoria and addiction and the potential for novel anti-CRF therapies therein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Spierling
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Eric P Zorrilla
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pergolizzi JV, Raffa RB, Pappagallo M, Fleischer C, Pergolizzi J, Zampogna G, Duval E, Hishmeh J, LeQuang JA, Taylor R. Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists as treatment options for constipation in noncancer pain patients on chronic opioid therapy. Patient Prefer Adherence 2017; 11:107-119. [PMID: 28176913 PMCID: PMC5261842 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s78042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid-induced constipation (OIC), a prevalent and distressing side effect of opioid therapy, does not reliably respond to treatment with conventional laxatives. OIC can be a treatment-limiting adverse event. Recent advances in medications with peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists, such as methylnaltrexone, naloxegol, and alvimopan, hold promise for treating OIC and thus extending the benefits of opioid analgesia to more chronic pain patients. Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists have been clinically tested to improve bowel symptoms without compromise to pain relief, although there are associated side effects, including abdominal pain. Other treatment options include fixed-dose combination products of oxycodone analgesic together with naloxone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph V Pergolizzi
- NEMA Research, Inc., Naples, FL
- Correspondence: Joseph V Pergolizzi Jr, NEMA Research, Inc., 868-106 Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108, USA, Tel +1 239 597 3564, Email
| | - Robert B Raffa
- University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Temple University School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marco Pappagallo
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bologna Z, Teoh JP, Bayoumi AS, Tang Y, Kim IM. Biased G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling: New Player in Modulating Physiology and Pathology. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2017; 25:12-25. [PMID: 28035079 PMCID: PMC5207460 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2016.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a family of cell-surface proteins that play critical roles in regulating a variety of pathophysiological processes and thus are targeted by almost a third of currently available therapeutics. It was originally thought that GPCRs convert extracellular stimuli into intracellular signals through activating G proteins, whereas β-arrestins have important roles in internalization and desensitization of the receptor. Over the past decade, several novel functional aspects of β-arrestins in regulating GPCR signaling have been discovered. These previously unanticipated roles of β-arrestins to act as signal transducers and mediators of G protein-independent signaling have led to the concept of biased agonism. Biased GPCR ligands are able to engage with their target receptors in a manner that preferentially activates only G protein- or β-arrestin-mediated downstream signaling. This offers the potential for next generation drugs with high selectivity to therapeutically relevant GPCR signaling pathways. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent studies highlighting G protein- or β-arrestin-biased GPCR signaling and the effects of biased ligands on disease pathogenesis and regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Bologna
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jian-Peng Teoh
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ahmed S Bayoumi
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yaoliang Tang
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA 30912, USA
| | - Il-Man Kim
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA 30912, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA 30912, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Williams DA, Zheng Y, David BG, Yuan Y, Zaidi SA, Stevens DL, Scoggins KL, Selley DE, Dewey WL, Akbarali HI, Zhang Y. 6β-N-Heterocyclic Substituted Naltrexamine Derivative BNAP: A Peripherally Selective Mixed MOR/KOR Ligand. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1120-9. [PMID: 27269866 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The 6β-N-heterocyclic naltrexamine derivative, NAP, has been demonstrated to be a peripherally selective mu opioid receptor modulator. To further improve peripheral selectivity of this highly potent ligand, its pyridal ring was quaterinized with benzyl bromide to produce BNAP. In radioligand binding assay, the Ki of BNAP for MOR was 0.76 ± 0.09 nM and was >900-fold more selective for MOR than DOR. The Ki for KOR was 3.46 ± 0.05 nM. In [(35)S]GTPγS ligand stimulated assay, BNAP showed low agonist efficacy with 14.6% of the maximum response of DAMGO with an EC50 of 4.84 ± 0.6 nM. However, unlike its parent compound NAP, BNAP displayed partial agonist activity at KOR with % maximum response at 45.9 ± 1.7% of U50,488H. BNAP did not reverse morphine-induced antinociception when administered subcutaneously but did antagonize when administered intracerebroventricularly. BNAP antagonized morphine-induced contractions of the circular muscle in mice colon. BNAP inhibition of field-stimulated contractions in longitudinal muscle strips for the guinea-pig ileum were also blocked by nor-BNI, a kappa opioid receptor antagonist. BNAP induced inhibition of acetic acid induced abdominal stretching in chronic morphine treated mice. These findings suggest that BNAP is a dual MOR antagonist/KOR agonist and may have functional use in irritable bowel patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwight A. Williams
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Bethany G. David
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yunyun Yuan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Saheem A. Zaidi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - David L. Stevens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Krista L. Scoggins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Dana E. Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - William L. Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Hamid I. Akbarali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| |
Collapse
|