1
|
Yuan Y, Xu T, Huang Y, Shi J. Strategies for developing μ opioid receptor agonists with reduced adverse effects. Bioorg Chem 2024; 149:107507. [PMID: 38850778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107507] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Opioids are currently the most effective and widely used painkillers in the world. Unfortunately, the clinical use of opioid analgesics is limited by serious adverse effects. Many researchers have been working on designing and optimizing structures in search of novel μ opioid receptor(MOR) agonists with improved analgesic activity and reduced incidence of adverse effects. There are many strategies to develop MOR drugs, mainly focusing on new low efficacy agonists (potentially G protein biased agonists), MOR agonists acting on different Gα subtype, targeting opioid receptors in the periphery, acting on multiple opioid receptor, and targeting allosteric sites of opioid receptors, and others. This review summarizes the design methods, clinical applications, and structure-activity relationships of small-molecule agonists for MOR based on these different design strategies, providing ideas for the development of safer novel opioid ligands with therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yuan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611756, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yu Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611756, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fan YZ, Duan YL, Chen CT, Wang Y, Zhu AP. Advances in attenuating opioid-induced respiratory depression: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38837. [PMID: 39029082 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioids exert analgesic effects by agonizing opioid receptors and activating signaling pathways coupled to receptors such as G-protein and/or β-arrestin. Concomitant respiratory depression (RD) is a common clinical problem, and improvement of RD is usually achieved with specific antagonists such as naloxone; however, naloxone antagonizes opioid analgesia and may produce more unknown adverse effects. In recent years, researchers have used various methods to isolate opioid receptor-mediated analgesia and RD, with the aim of preserving opioid analgesia while attenuating RD. At present, the focus is mainly on the development of new opioids with weak respiratory inhibition or the use of non-opioid drugs to stimulate breathing. This review reports recent advances in novel opioid agents, such as mixed opioid receptor agonists, peripheral selective opioid receptor agonists, opioid receptor splice variant agonists, biased opioid receptor agonists, and allosteric modulators of opioid receptors, as well as in non-opioid agents, such as AMPA receptor modulators, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Zheng Fan
- The 991st Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yun-Li Duan
- Xiangyang No. 4 Middle School Compulsory Education Department, Xiangyang, China
| | - Chuan-Tao Chen
- Taihe Country People's Hospital·The Taihe Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Fuyang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The 991st Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army, Xiangyang, China
| | - An-Ping Zhu
- The 991st Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army, Xiangyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Haghdoost M, Young S, Holloway AK, Roberts M, Zvorsky I, Bonn-Miller MO. CBD Versus CBDP: Comparing In Vitro Receptor-Binding Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7724. [PMID: 39062976 PMCID: PMC11277192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147724] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids with seven-carbon alkyl chains (phorols) have gained a lot of attention, as they are commonly believed to be more potent versions of typical cannabinoids with shorter alkyl chains. At the time of this article, cannabidiphorol (CBDP) and tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP) can both be purchased in the North American market, even though their biological activities are nearly unknown. To investigate their relative potency, we conducted in vitro receptor-binding experiments with CBDP (cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptor antagonism, serotonin 5HT-1A agonism, dopamine D2S (short form) agonism, and mu-opioid negative allosteric modulation) and compared the observed activity with that of CBD. To our knowledge, this is the first publication to investigate CBDP's receptor activity in vitro. A similar activity profile was observed for both CBD and CBDP, with the only notable difference at the CB2 receptor. Contrary to common expectations, CBD was found to be a slightly more potent CB2 antagonist than CBDP (p < 0.05). At the highest tested concentration, CBD demonstrated antagonist activity with a 33% maximum response of SR144528 (selective CB2 antagonist/inverse agonist). CBDP at the same concentration produced a weaker antagonist activity. A radioligand binding assay revealed that among cannabinoid and serotonin receptors, CB2 is likely the main biological target of CBDP. However, both CBD and CBDP were found to be significantly less potent than SR144528. The interaction of CBDP with the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) produced unexpected results. Although the cannabidiol family is considered to be a set of negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of opioid receptors, we observed a significant increase in met-enkephalin-induced mu-opioid internalization when cells were incubated with 3 µM of CBDP and 1 µM met-enkephalin, a type of activity expected from positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). To provide a structural explanation for the observed PAM effect, we conducted molecular docking simulations. These simulations revealed the co-binding potential of CBDP (or CBD) and met-enkephalin to the MOR.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Cannabidiol/pharmacology
- Cannabidiol/metabolism
- Cannabidiol/chemistry
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Binding
- Cannabinoids/metabolism
- Cannabinoids/pharmacology
- Cannabinoids/chemistry
- Dronabinol/pharmacology
- Dronabinol/analogs & derivatives
- Dronabinol/chemistry
- Dronabinol/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Animals
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Haghdoost
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
| | - Scott Young
- Charlotte’s Web, 700 Tech Court, Louisville, CO 80027, USA
| | - Alisha K. Holloway
- Phylos Bioscience, 2455 NW Nicolai Street STE B-O6, Portland, OR 97210, USA
| | - Matthew Roberts
- Nalu Bio Inc., 38 Keyes Avenue, Suite 117, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
| | - Ivori Zvorsky
- Charlotte’s Web, 700 Tech Court, Louisville, CO 80027, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saito A, Alvi S, Valant C, Christopoulos A, Carbone SE, Poole DP. Therapeutic potential of allosteric modulators for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2232-2246. [PMID: 36565295 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility is tightly regulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS). Disruption of coordinated enteric nervous system activity can result in dysmotility. Pharmacological treatment options for dysmotility include targeting of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed by neurons of the enteric nervous system. Current GPCR-targeting drugs for motility disorders bind to the highly conserved endogenous ligand-binding site and promote indiscriminate activation or inhibition of the target receptor throughout the body. This can be associated with significant side-effect liability and a loss of physiological tone. Allosteric modulators of GPCRs bind to a distinct site from the endogenous ligand, which is typically less conserved across multiple receptor subtypes and can modulate endogenous ligand signalling. Allosteric modulation of GPCRs that are important for enteric nervous system function may provide effective relief from motility disorders while limiting side-effects. This review will focus on how allosteric modulators of GPCRs may influence gastrointestinal motility, using 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACh) and opioid receptors as examples. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayame Saito
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sadia Alvi
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simona E Carbone
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel P Poole
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Flammia R, Huang B, Pagare PP, M St Onge C, Abebayehu A, Gillespie JC, Mendez RE, Selley DE, Dewey WL, Zhang Y. Blocking potential metabolic sites on NAT to improve its safety profile while retaining the pharmacological profile. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107489. [PMID: 38797065 PMCID: PMC11190787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107489] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The number of opioid-related overdose deaths and individuals that have suffered from opioid use disorders have significantly increased over the last 30 years. FDA approved maintenance therapies to treat opioid use disorder may successfully curb drug craving and prevent relapse but harbor adverse effects that reduce patient compliance. This has created a need for new chemical entities with improved patient experience. Previously our group reported a novel lead compound, NAT, a mu-opioid receptor antagonist that potently antagonized the antinociception of morphine and showed significant blood-brain barrier permeability. However, NAT belongs to thiophene containing compounds which are known structural alerts for potential oxidative metabolism. To overcome this, 15 NAT derivatives with various substituents at the 5'-position of the thiophene ring were designed and their structure-activity relationships were studied. These derivatives were characterized for their binding affinity, selectivity, and functional activity at the mu opioid receptor and assessed for their ability to antagonize the antinociceptive effects of morphine in vivo. Compound 12 showed retention of the basic pharmacological attributes of NAT while improving the withdrawal effects that were experienced in opioid-dependent mice. Further studies will be conducted to fully characterize compound 12 to examine whether it would serve as a new lead for opioid use disorder treatment and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Flammia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Celsey M St Onge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Abeje Abebayehu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, 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; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0059.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
González AM, Jubete AG. Dualism, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling of opioid receptors: Future therapeutic potential. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ANESTESIOLOGIA Y REANIMACION 2024; 71:298-303. [PMID: 37683976 DOI: 10.1016/j.redare.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are still the drugs of choice for the treatment of acute post-surgical pain and chronic cancer pain. Overprescribing of these drugs has given rise to an "opioid crisis" in some countries. In this context, attention has been drawn to the therapeutic potential of various ligands that act as allosteric modulators of orthosteric binding sites and modulate the drug's activity, affinity, potency, and even efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M González
- Service of Anesthesiology, Universitary Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - A G Jubete
- Service of Anesthesiology, Universitary Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pagare PP, Flammia R, Zhang Y. IUPHAR review: Recent progress in the development of Mu opioid receptor modulators to treat opioid use disorders. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107023. [PMID: 38081336 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) can be described as intense preoccupation with using or obtaining opioids despite the negative consequences associated with their use. As the number of OUD cases in the U.S. increase, so do the number of opioid-related overdose deaths. In 2022, opioid-related overdose became the No. 1 cause of death for individuals in the U.S. between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age. Because of the introduction of highly potent synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl) to the illicit drug market, there is an urgent need for therapeutics that successfully reduce the number of overdoses and can help OUD patients maintain sobriety. Most abused opioids stimulate the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and activation of this receptor can lead to positive (e.g., euphoria) consequences. However, the negative side effects of MOR stimulation can be fatal (e.g., sedation, respiratory depression). Therefore, the MOR is an attractive target for developing medications to treat OUD. Current FDA drugs include MOR agonists that aid in detoxification and relapse prevention, and MOR antagonists that also serve as maintenance therapies or reverse overdose. These medications are limited by their abuse potential, adverse effects, or pharmacological profiles which leaves ample room for research into designing new chemical entities with optimal physiological effects. These includes, orthosteric ligands that target the primary binding site of the MOR, allosteric ligands that positively, negatively, or "silently" modulate receptor function, and lastly, bitopic ligands target both the orthosteric and allosteric sites simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Rachael Flammia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, 203 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fan Y, Ni Y, Cheng M, Guo W, Gao H, Hu W, Shu C, Ding L. The metabolite profiling of YR-1702 injection in human plasma, urine and feces by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Xenobiotica 2023; 53:536-546. [PMID: 37850428 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2023.2272193] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
YR-1702, a hybrid μ/κ/δ receptor agonist, is modified from the traditional opioid analgesic dezocine. It had shown both excellent analgesic effect and lower addiction in phase I clinical trial in China, however, the metabolic pathway of YR-1702 in humans remains unelucidated.The goals of this study are to characterise the metabolism of YR-1702 in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and patients with chronic non-cancer pain by high performance liquid chromatography-coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS).The results showed that a total of twelve metabolites were identified in HLMs, in which 7, 6 and 5 metabolites were also found in human plasma, urine and feces, respectively. And the major metabolic pathways include mono-hydroxylation, di-hydroxylation, dehydrogenation and glucuronidation. The locations of hydroxylation and dehydrogenation were identified by the signature fragments of the metabolites.The relative contents of the metabolites in human plasma were also evaluated, in which the main metabolite M1 notably accounting for more than 14% of the total drug exposure. This study would contribute to the understanding of the in vivo metabolite profile of YR-1702 injection for future use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Ni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Taizhou, China
| | - Minlu Cheng
- Nanjing Clinical Tech Laboratories Inc, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huaye Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - WenHui Hu
- Nanjing Jiening Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Higginbotham JA, Markovic T, Massaly N, Morón JA. Endogenous opioid systems alterations in pain and opioid use disorder. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1014768. [PMID: 36341476 PMCID: PMC9628214 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1014768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research advances have established a central role for endogenous opioid systems in regulating reward processing, mood, motivation, learning and memory, gastrointestinal function, and pain relief. Endogenous opioid systems are present ubiquitously throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. They are composed of four families, namely the μ (MOPR), κ (KOPR), δ (DOPR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOPR) opioid receptors systems. These receptors signal through the action of their endogenous opioid peptides β-endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins, and nociceptins, respectfully, to maintain homeostasis under normal physiological states. Due to their prominent role in pain regulation, exogenous opioids-primarily targeting the MOPR, have been historically used in medicine as analgesics, but their ability to produce euphoric effects also present high risks for abuse. The ability of pain and opioid use to perturb endogenous opioid system function, particularly within the central nervous system, may increase the likelihood of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Today, the opioid crisis represents a major social, economic, and public health concern. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature on the function, expression, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous opioid systems in pain. Additionally, we discuss the adaptations in the endogenous opioid systems upon use of exogenous opioids which contribute to the development of OUD. Finally, we describe the intricate relationship between pain, endogenous opioid systems, and the proclivity for opioid misuse, as well as potential advances in generating safer and more efficient pain therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Higginbotham
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica A. Higginbotham,
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicolas Massaly
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jose A. Morón
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee YS. Peptidomimetics and Their Applications for Opioid Peptide Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091241. [PMID: 36139079 PMCID: PMC9496382 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite various advantages, opioid peptides have been limited in their therapeutic uses due to the main drawbacks in metabolic stability, blood-brain barrier permeability, and bioavailability. Therefore, extensive studies have focused on overcoming the problems and optimizing the therapeutic potential. Currently, numerous peptide-based drugs are being marketed thanks to new synthetic strategies for optimizing metabolism and alternative routes of administration. This tutorial review briefly introduces the history and role of natural opioid peptides and highlights the key findings on their structure-activity relationships for the opioid receptors. It discusses details on opioid peptidomimetics applied to develop therapeutic candidates for the treatment of pain from the pharmacological and structural points of view. The main focus is the current status of various mimetic tools and the successful applications summarized in tables and figures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Drakopoulos A, Moianos D, Prifti GM, Zoidis G, Decker M. Opioid ligands addressing unconventional binding sites and more than one opioid receptor subtype. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200169. [PMID: 35560796 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors (ORs) represent one of the most significant groups of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) drug targets and also act as prototypical models for GPCR function. In a constant effort to develop drugs with less side effects, and tools to explore the ORs nature and function, various (poly)pharmacological ligand design approaches have been performed. That is, besides classical ligands, a great number of bivalent ligands (i.e. aiming on two distinct OR subtypes), univalent heteromer-selective ligands and bitopic and allosteric ligands have been synthesized for the ORs. The scope of our review is to present the most important of the aforementioned ligands, highlight their properties and exhibit the current state-of-the-art pallet of promising drug candidates or useful molecular tools for the ORs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Drakopoulos
- University of Gothenburg: Goteborgs Universitet, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Kemigåden 4, 431 45, Göteborg, SWEDEN
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon, Department of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon, Department of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Panepistimioupolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE
| | - Michael Decker
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg: Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, GERMANY
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pagare PP, Li M, Zheng Y, Kulkarni AS, Obeng S, Huang B, Ruiz C, Gillespie JC, Mendez RE, Stevens DL, Poklis JL, Halquist MS, Dewey WL, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of NAP Isosteres: A Switch from Peripheral to Central Nervous System Acting Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5095-5112. [PMID: 35255685 PMCID: PMC10149103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The μ opioid receptor (MOR) has been an intrinsic target to develop treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD). Herein, we report our efforts on developing centrally acting MOR antagonists by structural modifications of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-[(4'-pyridyl) carboxamido] morphinan (NAP), a peripherally acting MOR-selective antagonist. An isosteric replacement concept was applied and incorporated with physiochemical property predictions in the molecular design. Three analogs, namely, 25, 26, and 31, were identified as potent MOR antagonists in vivo with significantly fewer withdrawal symptoms than naloxone observed at similar doses. Furthermore, brain and plasma drug distribution studies supported the outcomes of our design strategy on these compounds. Taken together, our isosteric replacement of pyridine with pyrrole, furan, and thiophene provided insights into the structure-activity relationships of NAP and aided the understanding of physicochemical requirements of potential CNS acting opioids. These efforts resulted in potent, centrally efficacious MOR antagonists that may be pursued as leads to treat OUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Mengchu Li
- 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
| | - Abhishek S Kulkarni
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Christian Ruiz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - James C Gillespie
- 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
| | - David L Stevens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 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
| | - William L Dewey
- 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
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Oxytocin Is a Positive Allosteric Modulator of κ-Opioid Receptors but Not δ-Opioid Receptors in the G Protein Signaling Pathway. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102651. [PMID: 34685631 PMCID: PMC8534029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) influences various physiological functions such as uterine contractions, maternal/social behavior, and analgesia. Opioid signaling pathways are involved in one of the analgesic mechanisms of OT. We previously showed that OT acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) and enhances μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activity. In this study, which focused on other opioid receptor (OR) subtypes, we investigated whether OT influences opioid signaling pathways as a PAM for δ-OR (DOR) or κ-OR (KOR) using human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing human DOR or KOR, respectively. The CellKeyTM results showed that OT enhanced impedance induced by endogenous/exogenous KOR agonists on KOR-expressing cells. OT did not affect DOR activity induced by endogenous/exogenous DOR agonists. OT potentiated the KOR agonist-induced Gi/o protein-mediated decrease in intracellular cAMP, but did not affect the increase in KOR internalization caused by the KOR agonists dynorphin A and (-)-U-50488 hydrochloride (U50488). OT did not bind to KOR orthosteric binding sites and did not affect the binding affinities of dynorphin A and U50488 for KOR. These results suggest that OT is a PAM of KOR and MOR and enhances G protein signaling without affecting β-arrestin signaling. Thus, OT has potential as a specific signaling-biased PAM of KOR.
Collapse
|
14
|
Pryce KD, Kang HJ, Sakloth F, Liu Y, Khan S, Toth K, Kapoor A, Nicolais A, Che T, Qin L, Bertherat F, Kaniskan HÜ, Jin J, Cameron MD, Roth BL, Zachariou V, Filizola M. A promising chemical series of positive allosteric modulators of the μ-opioid receptor that enhance the antinociceptive efficacy of opioids but not their adverse effects. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108673. [PMID: 34153316 PMCID: PMC8410669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) have been proposed to exhibit therapeutic potential by maximizing the analgesic properties of clinically used opioid drugs while limiting their adverse effects or risk of overdose as a result of using lower drug doses. We herein report in vitro and in vivo characterization of two small molecules from a chemical series of MOR PAMs that exhibit: (i) MOR PAM activity and receptor subtype selectivity in vitro, (ii) a differential potentiation of the antinociceptive effect of oxycodone, morphine, and methadone in mouse models of pain that roughly correlates with in vitro activity, and (iii) a lack of potentiation of adverse effects associated with opioid administration, such as somatic withdrawal, respiratory depression, and analgesic tolerance. This series of MOR PAMs holds promise for the development of adjuncts to opioid therapy to mitigate against overdose and opioid use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerri D Pryce
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Hye Jin Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Farhana Sakloth
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Susan Khan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Katalin Toth
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Abhijeet Kapoor
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Andrew Nicolais
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lihuai Qin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Feodora Bertherat
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Michael D Cameron
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Marta Filizola
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lactoferrin and Its Potential Impact for the Relief of Pain: A Preclinical Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090868. [PMID: 34577568 PMCID: PMC8468947 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is one of the most disabling symptoms of several clinical conditions. Neurobiologically, it is classified as nociceptive, inflammatory, neuropathic and dysfunctional. Opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are conventionally prescribed for the treatment of pain. Long-term administration of opioids results in the loss of analgesic efficacy, leading to increased dosage, tolerance, and addiction as the main drawbacks of their use, while the adverse effects of NSAIDs include gastric ulcer formation, intestinal bleeding, acute kidney injury, and hepatotoxicity. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding, anti-inflammatory glycoprotein that displays analgesic activities associated, in part, by interacting with the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), which may result in the regulation of the DAMP-TRAF6-NFκB, NO-cGMP-ATP K+-sensitive channel and opioid receptor signaling pathways. This review summarizes and discusses for the first time the analgesic effects of lactoferrin and its presumable mechanisms based on pre-clinical trials. Given its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, lactoferrin may be used as an adjunct to enhance the efficacy and to decrease the tolerogenic effects of canonical therapeutic drugs prescribed for pain treatment.
Collapse
|
16
|
Kibaly C, Alderete JA, Liu SH, Nasef HS, Law PY, Evans CJ, Cahill CM. Oxycodone in the Opioid Epidemic: High 'Liking', 'Wanting', and Abuse Liability. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:899-926. [PMID: 33245509 PMCID: PMC8155122 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that nearly a third of people who abuse drugs started with prescription opioid medicines. Approximately, 11.5 million Americans used prescription drugs recreationally in 2016, and in 2018, 46,802 Americans died as the result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (National Institutes on Drug Abuse (2020) Opioid Overdose Crisis. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis . Accessed 06 June 2020). Yet physicians will continue to prescribe oral opioids for moderate-to-severe pain in the absence of alternative therapeutics, underscoring the importance in understanding how drug choice can influence detrimental outcomes. One of the opioid prescription medications that led to this crisis is oxycodone, where misuse of this drug has been rampant. Being one of the most highly prescribed opioid medications for treating moderate-to-severe pain as reflected in the skyrocketed increase in retail sales of 866% between 1997 and 2007, oxycodone was initially suggested to be less addictive than morphine. The false-claimed non-addictive formulation of oxycodone, OxyContin, further contributed to the opioid crisis. Abuse was often carried out by crushing the pills for immediate burst release, typically by nasal insufflation, or by liquefying the pills for intravenous injection. Here, we review oxycodone pharmacology and abuse liability as well as present the hypothesis that oxycodone may exhibit a unique pharmacology that contributes to its high likability and abuse susceptibility. We will discuss various mechanisms that likely contribute to the high abuse rate of oxycodone including clinical drug likability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, differences in its actions within mesolimbic reward circuity compared to other opioids, and the possibility of differential molecular and cellular receptor interactions that contribute to its selective effects. We will also discuss marketing strategies and drug difference that likely contributes to the oxycodone opioid use disorders and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cherkaouia Kibaly
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jacob A Alderete
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven H Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hazem S Nasef
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ping-Yee Law
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Evans
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Critical interactions between opioid and cannabinoid receptors during tolerance and physical dependence development to opioids in the murine gastrointestinal tract: proof of concept. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1147-1154. [PMID: 34133018 PMCID: PMC8413198 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Tolerance (TOL) and physical dependence (PD) constitute important limitations of opioid therapy. The aim of our study was to validate research tools to investigate TOL and PD and to characterize the interactions between opioid (OR) and cannabinoid (CB) receptors in these processes in the GI tract. Methods TOL was assessed through the comparison of morphine ability to inhibit electrically evoked smooth muscles contractility in the mouse ileum that was previously incubated with/without morphine for 1 h. To evaluate the PD, the ileum was incubated with morphine for 10 min, then challenged with naloxone to induce withdrawal response (WR). The OR/CB interactions were evaluated using mixed agonist (PR-38) and AM-251 (CB1 antagonist). Results The inhibitory effect of morphine on ileal contractions was weaker in tissue incubated with this opioid than in tissue incubated without opioid. The opposite was noted for PR-38. In tissues exposed to morphine, but not to PR-38, naloxone induced a WR. The blockage of CB1 receptors with AM-251 before the addition of PR-38 resulted in a naloxone-induced WR. Conclusion The co-activation of OR and CB reduced development of TOL and PD to opioids in the mouse GI tract and mixed OR/CB agonists are promising alternative to currently used opioid drugs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang H, Cao D, Gillespie JC, Mendez RE, Selley DE, Liu-Chen LY, Zhang Y. Exploring the putative mechanism of allosteric modulations by mixed-action kappa/mu opioid receptor bitopic modulators. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:551-573. [PMID: 33590767 PMCID: PMC8027703 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The modulation and selectivity mechanisms of seven mixed-action kappa opioid receptor (KOR)/mu opioid receptor (MOR) bitopic modulators were explored. Molecular modeling results indicated that the 'message' moiety of seven bitopic modulators shared the same binding mode with the orthosteric site of the KOR and MOR, whereas the 'address' moiety bound with different subdomains of the allosteric site of the KOR and MOR. The 'address' moiety of seven bitopic modulators bound to different subdomains of the allosteric site of the KOR and MOR may exhibit distinguishable allosteric modulations to the binding affinity and/or efficacy of the 'message' moiety. Moreover, the 3-hydroxy group on the phenolic moiety of the seven bitopic modulators induced selectivity to the KOR over the MOR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Danni Cao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - James C Gillespie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Rolando E Mendez
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pharmacological properties and biochemical mechanisms of μ-opioid receptor ligands might be due to different binding poses: MD studies. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:2001-2018. [PMID: 32972243 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Central and peripheral analgesia without adverse effects relies on the identification of μ-opioid agonists that are able to activate 'basal' antinociceptive pathways. Recently developed μ-selective benzomorphan agonists that are not antagonized by naloxone do not activate G-proteins and β-arrestins. Which pathways do μ receptors activate? How can each of them be selectively activated? What role is played by allosteric binding sites? Methodology & results: Molecular modeling studies characterize the amino acid residues involved in the interaction with various classes of endogenous and exogenous ligands and with agonists and antagonists. Conclusions: Critical binding differences between various classes of agonists with different pharmacological profiles have been identified. MML series binding poses may be relevant in the search for an antinociception agent without side effects.
Collapse
|
20
|
Azevedo Neto J, Costanzini A, De Giorgio R, Lambert DG, Ruzza C, Calò G. Biased versus Partial Agonism in the Search for Safer Opioid Analgesics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173870. [PMID: 32854452 PMCID: PMC7504468 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids such as morphine—acting at the mu opioid receptor—are the mainstay for treatment of moderate to severe pain and have good efficacy in these indications. However, these drugs produce a plethora of unwanted adverse effects including respiratory depression, constipation, immune suppression and with prolonged treatment, tolerance, dependence and abuse liability. Studies in β-arrestin 2 gene knockout (βarr2(−/−)) animals indicate that morphine analgesia is potentiated while side effects are reduced, suggesting that drugs biased away from arrestin may manifest with a reduced-side-effect profile. However, there is controversy in this area with improvement of morphine-induced constipation and reduced respiratory effects in βarr2(−/−) mice. Moreover, studies performed with mice genetically engineered with G-protein-biased mu receptors suggested increased sensitivity of these animals to both analgesic actions and side effects of opioid drugs. Several new molecules have been identified as mu receptor G-protein-biased agonists, including oliceridine (TRV130), PZM21 and SR–17018. These compounds have provided preclinical data with apparent support for bias toward G proteins and the genetic premise of effective and safer analgesics. There are clinical data for oliceridine that have been very recently approved for short term intravenous use in hospitals and other controlled settings. While these data are compelling and provide a potential new pathway-based target for drug discovery, a simpler explanation for the behavior of these biased agonists revolves around differences in intrinsic activity. A highly detailed study comparing oliceridine, PZM21 and SR–17018 (among others) in a range of assays showed that these molecules behave as partial agonists. Moreover, there was a correlation between their therapeutic indices and their efficacies, but not their bias factors. If there is amplification of G-protein, but not arrestin pathways, then agonists with reduced efficacy would show high levels of activity at G-protein and low or absent activity at arrestin; offering analgesia with reduced side effects or ‘apparent bias’. Overall, the current data suggests—and we support—caution in ascribing biased agonism to reduced-side-effect profiles for mu-agonist analgesics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (R.D.G.)
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wahlestedt C, Khorkova O. Direct Administration and Gene Modulation Using Antisense Oligonucleotides Within the CNS. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:849-853. [PMID: 32656646 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00919-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Besides his vast contribution to the opioid receptor studies, Dr. G. W. Pasternak was among the early pioneers in the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) field at the time when the crucial in vivo studies using ASO-mediated gene knockdown in the CNS were still impeded by the ASO's inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This changed at the start of 1990s, when administration of oligonucleotides through intracerebroventricular or, later, intrathecal injection was undertaken at Cornell University Medical College and further developed in close collaboration with Pasternak lab. These early studies eventually led to the practical realization of the significant therapeutic potential of ASO-based drugs we see today.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bartuzi D, Wróbel TM, Kaczor AA, Matosiuk D. Tuning Down the Pain - An Overview of Allosteric Modulation of Opioid Receptors: Mechanisms of Modulation, Allosteric Sites, Modulator Syntheses. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:2852-2865. [PMID: 32479245 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200601155451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Opioid signaling plays a central role in pain perception. As such, it remains the main target in the development of antinociceptive agents, despite serious side effects involved. In recent years, hopes for improved opioid painkillers are rising, together with our understanding of allosterism and biased signaling mechanisms. In this review, we focus on recently discovered allosteric modulators of opioid receptors, insights into phenomena underlying their action, as well as on how they extend our understanding of mechanisms of previously known compounds. A brief overlook of their synthesis is also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damian Bartuzi
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modelling Lab, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Wróbel
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modelling Lab, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modelling Lab, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Matosiuk
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modelling Lab, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bruder M, Polo G, Trivella DBB. Natural allosteric modulators and their biological targets: molecular signatures and mechanisms. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:488-514. [PMID: 32048675 DOI: 10.1039/c9np00064j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2008 to 2018Over the last decade more than two hundred single natural products were confirmed as natural allosteric modulators (alloNPs) of proteins. The compounds are presented and discussed with the support of a chemical space, constructed using a principal component analysis (PCA) of molecular descriptors from chemical compounds of distinct databases. This analysis showed that alloNPs are dispersed throughout the majority of the chemical space defined by natural products in general. Moreover, a cluster of alloNPs was shown to occupy a region almost devoid of allosteric modulators retrieved from a dataset composed mainly of synthetic compounds, further highlighting the importance to explore the entire natural chemical space for probing allosteric mechanisms. The protein targets which alloNPs bind to comprised 81 different proteins, which were classified into 5 major groups, with enzymes, in particular hydrolases, being the main representative group. The review also brings a critical interpretation on the mechanisms by which alloNPs display their molecular action on proteins. In the latter analysis, alloNPs were classified according to their final effect on the target protein, resulting in 3 major categories: (i) local alteration of the orthosteric site; (ii) global alteration in protein dynamics that change function; and (iii) oligomer stabilisation or protein complex destabilisation via protein-protein interaction in sites distant from the orthosteric site. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which use a combination of the three types of allosteric regulation found, were also probed by natural products. In summary, the natural allosteric modulators reviewed herein emphasise their importance for exploring alternative chemotherapeutic strategies, potentially pushing the boundaries of the druggable space of pharmacologically relevant drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Bruder
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), National Centre for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Catechins modulate the activity of mu opioid receptor (μOR): An in silico approach. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
25
|
Zheng Y, Obeng S, Reinecke BA, Chen C, Phansalkar PS, Walentiny DM, Gerk PM, Liu-Chen LY, Selley DE, Beardsley PM, Zhang Y. Pharmacological characterization of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14-dihydroxy-4,5-epoxy-6-[(3'-fluoro-4'-pyridyl)acetamido]morphinan (NFP) as a dual selective MOR/KOR ligand with potential applications in treating opioid use disorder. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 865:172812. [PMID: 31743739 PMCID: PMC6914219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
For thousands of years opioids have been the first-line treatment option for pain management. However, the tolerance and addiction potential of opioids limit their applications in clinic. NFP, a MOR/KOR dual-selective opioid antagonist, was identified as a ligand that significantly antagonized the antinociceptive effects of morphine with lesser withdrawal effects than naloxone at similar doses. To validate the potential application of NFP in opioid addiction treatment, a series of in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to further characterize its pharmacological profile. In calcium mobilization assays and MOR internalization studies, NFP showed the apparent capacity to antagonize DAMGO-induced calcium flux and etorphine-induced MOR internalization. In contrast to the opioid agonists DAMGO and morphine, cells pretreated with NFP did not show apparent desensitization and down regulation of the MOR. Though in vitro bidirectional transport studies showed that NFP might be a P-gp substrate, in warm-water tail-withdrawal assays it was able to antagonize the antinociceptive effects of morphine indicating its potential central nervous system activity. Overall these results suggest that NFP is a promising dual selective opioid antagonist that may have the potential to be used therapeutically in opioid use disorder treatment.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Biological Transport
- CHO Cells
- Caco-2 Cells
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cricetulus
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/pharmacology
- Humans
- Ligands
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Morphinans/pharmacology
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Bethany A Reinecke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Chongguang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, United States
| | - Palak S Phansalkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - David M Walentiny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1112 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Phillip M Gerk
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1112 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Patrick M Beardsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1112 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States; Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1112 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ma H, Obeng S, Wang H, Zheng Y, Li M, Jali AM, Stevens DL, Dewey WL, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Application of Bivalent Bioisostere Concept on Design and Discovery of Potent Opioid Receptor Modulators. J Med Chem 2019; 62:11399-11415. [PMID: 31782922 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, we described the structural modification of previously identified μ opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist NAN, a 6α-N-7'-indolyl substituted naltrexamine derivative, and its 6β-N-2'-indolyl substituted analogue INTA by adopting the concept of "bivalent bioisostere". Three newly prepared opioid ligands, 25 (NBF), 31, and 38, were identified as potent MOR antagonists both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, these three compounds significantly antagonized DAMGO-induced intracellular calcium flux and displayed varying degrees of inhibition on cAMP production. Furthermore, NBF produced much less significant withdrawal effects than naloxone in morphine-pelleted mice. Molecular modeling studies revealed that these bivalent bioisosteres may adopt similar binding modes in the MOR and the "address" portions of them may have negative or positive allosteric modulation effects on the function of their "message" portions compared with NAN and INTA. Collectively, our successful application of the "bivalent bioisostere concept" identified a promising lead to develop novel therapeutic agents toward opioid use disorder treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Mengchu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Abdulmajeed M Jali
- 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
| | - William L Dewey
- 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
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
This article reports a case of pronounced, chronic lumboischialgia, which was not satisfactorily controlled by conventional analgesic treatment. The level of pain under high-dose dronabinol treatment with oral and inhalative administration as well as the way to reimburse the cost of medicinal cannabis flowers, the treatment success and criteria of the economic prescription procedure are presented.
Collapse
|
28
|
Ribeiro JML, Filizola M. Insights From Molecular Dynamics Simulations of a Number of G-Protein Coupled Receptor Targets for the Treatment of Pain and Opioid Use Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:207. [PMID: 31507375 PMCID: PMC6716474 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective treatments for pain management remain elusive due to the dangerous side-effects of current gold-standard opioid analgesics, including the respiratory depression that has led to skyrocketing death rates from opioid overdoses over the past decade. In an attempt to address the horrific opioid crisis worldwide, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has recently proposed boosting research on specific pharmacological mechanisms mediated by a number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This research is expected to expedite the discovery of medications for opioid overdose and opioid use disorders, leading toward a safer and more effective treatment of pain. Here, we review mechanistic insights from recent all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of a specific subset of GPCRs for which high-resolution experimental structures are available, including opioid, cannabinoid, orexin, metabotropic glutamate, and dopamine receptor subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Marcelo Lamim Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marta Filizola
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Obeng S, Wang H, Jali A, Stevens DL, Akbarali HI, Dewey WL, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of 6α- and 6β-Indolylacetamidonaltrexamine Derivatives as Bitopic Mu Opioid Receptor Modulators and Elaboration of the "Message-Address Concept" To Comprehend Their Functional Conversion. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1075-1090. [PMID: 30156823 PMCID: PMC6405326 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of numerous opioid ligands have shown that introduction of a methyl or ethyl group on the tertiary amino group at position 17 of the epoxymorphinan skeleton generally results in a mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist while introduction of a cyclopropylmethyl group typically leads to an antagonist. Furthermore, it has been shown that introduction of heterocyclic ring systems at position 6 can favor antagonism. However, it was reported that 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-[(2'-indolyl)acetamido]morphinan (INTA), which bears a cyclopropylmethyl group at position 17 and an indole ring at position 6, acted as a MOR agonist. We herein report a SAR study on INTA with a series of its complementary derivatives to understand how introduction of an indole moiety with α or β linkage at position 6 of the epoxymorphinan skeleton may influence ligand function. Interestingly, one of INTA derivatives, compound 15 (NAN) was identified as a MOR antagonist both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular modeling studies revealed that INTA and NAN may interact with different domains of the MOR allosteric binding site. In addition, INTA may interact with W293 and N150 residues found in the orthosteric site to stabilize MOR activation conformation while NAN does not. These results suggest that INTA and NAN may be bitopic ligands and the type of allosteric interactions with the MOR influence their functional activity. These insights along with our enriched comprehension of the "message-address" concept will to benefit future ligand design.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Allosteric Regulation/drug effects
- Allosteric Regulation/physiology
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Male
- Mice
- Narcotic Antagonists/chemistry
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Protein Binding/physiology
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/physiology
- Structure-Activity Relationship
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Abdulmajeed Jali
- 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
| | - Hamid I. Akbarali
- 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
| | - Dana E. Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 North 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ehrlich AT, Kieffer BL, Darcq E. Current strategies toward safer mu opioid receptor drugs for pain management. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:315-326. [PMID: 30802415 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1586882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pain relief remains a major public health challenge. The most efficient available painkillers are opioids targeting the mu opioid receptor (MOR). MORs are expressed in the areas of the brain [including pain and respiratory centers] that are important for processing reward and aversion. Thus, MOR activation efficiently alleviates severe pain, but the concomitant reward and respiratory depressant effects pose a threat; patients taking opioids potentially develop opioid addiction and high risk for overdose. Areas covered: Ongoing efforts to generate safer opioid analgesics are reviewed here. The design of biased compounds that trigger MOR induced G protein over β-arrestin signaling, peripheral opioids, drugs targeting MORs in heteromers and drugs enhancing endogenous opioid activity are discussed. Expert opinion: There is evidence that throttling MOR signaling may lead to an era of opioids that are truly efficient painkillers with lower side effects and risk of overdose. However, few of the drugs derived from the advanced approaches outlined here, are getting approval by regulatory committees for use in clinical settings. Thus, there is an urgent need to (i) better clarify mechanisms underlying the hazardous physiological effects of MOR activation, and (ii) fully validate the safety of these new MOR-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliza T Ehrlich
- a Department of Psychiatry , McGill University, Douglas Hospital Research Center , Montréal , QC , Canada
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- a Department of Psychiatry , McGill University, Douglas Hospital Research Center , Montréal , QC , Canada
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- a Department of Psychiatry , McGill University, Douglas Hospital Research Center , Montréal , QC , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zheng Y, Obeng S, Wang H, Jali AM, Peddibhotla B, Williams DA, Zou C, Stevens DL, Dewey WL, Akbarali HI, Selley DE, Zhang Y. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of the Third Generation 17-Cyclopropylmethyl-3,14β-dihydroxy-4,5α-epoxy-6β-[(4'-pyridyl)carboxamido]morphinan (NAP) Derivatives as μ/κ Opioid Receptor Dual Selective Ligands. J Med Chem 2019; 62:561-574. [PMID: 30608693 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
μ opioid receptor (MOR) agonists have been widely applied for treating moderate to severe pain. However, numerous adverse effects have been associated with their application, including opioid-induced constipation (OIC), respiratory depression, and addiction. On the basis of previous work in our laboratory, NAP, a 6β- N-4'-pyridyl substituted naltrexamine derivative, was identified as a peripheral MOR antagonist that may be used to treat OIC. To further explore its structure-activity relationship, a new series of NAP derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. Among these derivatives, NFP and NYP significantly antagonized the antinociception effect of morphine. Whereas NAP acted mainly peripherally, its derivatives NFP and NYP actually can act centrally. Furthermore, NFP produced significantly lesser withdrawal symptoms than naloxone at similar doses. These results suggest that NFP has the potential to be a lead compound to treat opioid abuse and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E. Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E. Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Huiqun Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E. Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Abdulmajeed M Jali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , 1112 East Clay Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Bharath Peddibhotla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E. Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Dwight A Williams
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E. Leigh Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Chuanchun Zou
- 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 , 1112 East Clay Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - William L Dewey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , 1112 East Clay Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Hamid I Akbarali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , 1112 East Clay Street , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Dana E Selley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , 1112 East Clay 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
|
32
|
Wold EA, Chen J, Cunningham KA, Zhou J. Allosteric Modulation of Class A GPCRs: Targets, Agents, and Emerging Concepts. J Med Chem 2019; 62:88-127. [PMID: 30106578 PMCID: PMC6556150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been tractable drug targets for decades with over one-third of currently marketed drugs targeting GPCRs. Of these, the class A GPCR superfamily is highly represented, and continued drug discovery for this family of receptors may provide novel therapeutics for a vast range of diseases. GPCR allosteric modulation is an innovative targeting approach that broadens the available small molecule toolbox and is proving to be a viable drug discovery strategy, as evidenced by recent FDA approvals and clinical trials. Numerous class A GPCR allosteric modulators have been discovered recently, and emerging trends such as the availability of GPCR crystal structures, diverse functional assays, and structure-based computational approaches are improving optimization and development. This Perspective provides an update on allosterically targeted class A GPCRs and their disease indications and the medicinal chemistry approaches toward novel allosteric modulators and highlights emerging trends and opportunities in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Wold
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pasternak GW, Childers SR, Pan YX. Emerging Insights into Mu Opioid Pharmacology. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 258:89-125. [PMID: 31598835 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Opioid analgesics, most of which act through mu opioid receptors, have long represented valuable therapeutic agents to treat severe pain. Concerted drug development efforts for over a 100 years have resulted in a large variety of opioid analgesics used in the clinic, but all of them continue to exhibit the side effects, especially respiratory depression, that have long plagued the use of morphine. The recent explosion in fatalities resulting from overdose of prescription and synthetic opioids has dramatically increased the need for safer analgesics, but recent developments in mu receptor research have provided new strategies to develop such drugs. This chapter reviews recent advances in developing novel opioid analgesics from an understanding of mu receptor structure and function. This includes a summary of the mechanism of agonist binding deduced from the crystal structure of mu receptors. It will also highlight the development of novel agonist mechanisms, including biased agonists, bivalent ligands, and allosteric modulators of mu receptor function, and describe how receptor phosphorylation modulates these pathways. Finally, it will summarize research on the alternative pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms that produces a multiplicity of mu receptor isoforms. Many of these isoforms exhibit different pharmacological specificities and brain circuitry localization, thus providing an opportunity to develop novel drugs with increased therapeutic windows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavril W Pasternak
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven R Childers
- Department of Physiology/Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Machelska H, Celik MÖ. Advances in Achieving Opioid Analgesia Without Side Effects. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1388. [PMID: 30555325 PMCID: PMC6282113 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the most effective drugs for the treatment of severe pain, but they also cause addiction and overdose deaths, which have led to a worldwide opioid crisis. Therefore, the development of safer opioids is urgently needed. In this article, we provide a critical overview of emerging opioid-based strategies aimed at effective pain relief and improved side effect profiles. These approaches comprise biased agonism, the targeting of (i) opioid receptors in peripheral inflamed tissue (by reducing agonist access to the brain, the use of nanocarriers, or low pH-sensitive agonists); (ii) heteromers or multiple receptors (by monovalent, bivalent, and multifunctional ligands); (iii) receptor splice variants; and (iv) endogenous opioid peptides (by preventing their degradation or enhancing their production by gene transfer). Substantial advancements are underscored by pharmaceutical development of new opioids such as peripheral κ-receptor agonists, and by treatments augmenting the action of endogenous opioids, which have entered clinical trials. Additionally, there are several promising novel opioids comprehensively examined in preclinical studies, but also strategies such as biased agonism, which might require careful rethinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halina Machelska
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melih Ö Celik
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kato AS, Witkin JM. Protein complexes as psychiatric and neurological drug targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 151:263-281. [PMID: 29330067 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The need for improved medications for psychiatric and neurological disorders is clear. Difficulties in finding such drugs demands that all strategic means be utilized for their invention. The discovery of forebrain specific AMPA receptor antagonists, which selectively block the specific combinations of principal and auxiliary subunits present in forebrain regions but spare targets in the cerebellum, was recently disclosed. This discovery raised the possibility that other auxiliary protein systems could be utilized to help identify new medicines. Discussion of the TARP-dependent AMPA receptor antagonists has been presented elsewhere. Here we review the diversity of protein complexes of neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous system to highlight the broad range of protein/protein drug targets. We briefly outline the structural basis of protein complexes as drug targets for G-protein-coupled receptors, voltage-gated ion channels, and ligand-gated ion channels. This review highlights heterodimers, subunit-specific receptor constructions, multiple signaling pathways, and auxiliary proteins with an emphasis on the later. We conclude that the use of auxiliary proteins in chemical compound screening could enhance the detection of specific, targeted drug searches and lead to novel and improved medicines for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko S Kato
- Neuroscience Discovery, Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Witkin
- Neuroscience Discovery, Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Opioids are the most effective drugs for the treatment of severe pain, but they also cause addiction and overdose deaths, which have led to a worldwide opioid crisis. Therefore, the development of safer opioids is urgently needed. In this article, we provide a critical overview of emerging opioid-based strategies aimed at effective pain relief and improved side effect profiles. These approaches comprise biased agonism, the targeting of (i) opioid receptors in peripheral inflamed tissue (by reducing agonist access to the brain, the use of nanocarriers, or low pH-sensitive agonists); (ii) heteromers or multiple receptors (by monovalent, bivalent, and multifunctional ligands); (iii) receptor splice variants; and (iv) endogenous opioid peptides (by preventing their degradation or enhancing their production by gene transfer). Substantial advancements are underscored by pharmaceutical development of new opioids such as peripheral κ-receptor agonists, and by treatments augmenting the action of endogenous opioids, which have entered clinical trials. Additionally, there are several promising novel opioids comprehensively examined in preclinical studies, but also strategies such as biased agonism, which might require careful rethinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halina Machelska
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melih Ö Celik
- Department of Experimental Anesthesiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|