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Goode-Romero G, Dominguez L. Descriptive molecular pharmacology of the δ opioid receptor (DOR): A computational study with structural approach. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304068. [PMID: 38991032 PMCID: PMC11239112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This work focuses on the δ receptor (DOR), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) belonging to the opioid receptor group. DOR is expressed in numerous tissues, particularly within the nervous system. Our study explores computationally the receptor's interactions with various ligands, including opiates and opioid peptides. It elucidates how these interactions influence the δ receptor response, relevant in a wide range of health and pathological processes. Thus, our investigation aims to explore the significance of DOR as an incoming drug target for pain relief and neurodegenerative diseases and as a source for novel opioid non-narcotic analgesic alternatives. We analyze the receptor's structural properties and interactions using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and Gaussian-accelerated MD across different functional states. To thoroughly assess the primary differences in the structural and conformational ensembles across our different simulated systems, we initiated our study with 1 μs of conventional Molecular Dynamics. The strategy was chosen to encompass the full activation cycle of GPCRs, as activation processes typically occur within this microsecond range. Following the cMD, we extended our study with an additional 100 ns of Gaussian accelerated Molecular Dynamics (GaMD) to enhance the sampling of conformational states. This simulation approach allowed us to capture a comprehensive range of dynamic interactions and conformational changes that are crucial for GPCR activation as influenced by different ligands. Our study includes comparing agonist and antagonist complexes to uncover the collective patterns of their functional states, regarding activation, blocking, and inactivation of DOR, starting from experimental data. In addition, we also explored interactions between agonist and antagonist molecules from opiate and opioid classifications to establish robust structure-activity relationships. These interactions have been systematically quantified using a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) model. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of this significant pharmacological target, which is emerging as an attractive subject for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Goode-Romero
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Dominguez
- Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-fifth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2022 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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Hennes A, Devroe J, De Clercq K, Ciprietti M, Held K, Luyten K, Van Ranst N, Maenhoudt N, Peeraer K, Vankelecom H, Voets T, Vriens J. Protease secretions by the invading blastocyst induce calcium oscillations in endometrial epithelial cells via the protease-activated receptor 2. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:37. [PMID: 37060079 PMCID: PMC10105462 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early embryo implantation is a complex phenomenon characterized by the presence of an implantation-competent blastocyst and a receptive endometrium. Embryo development and endometrial receptivity must be synchronized and an adequate two-way dialogue between them is necessary for maternal recognition and implantation. Proteases have been described as blastocyst-secreted proteins involved in the hatching process and early implantation events. These enzymes stimulate intracellular calcium signaling pathways in endometrial epithelial cells (EEC). However, the exact molecular players underlying protease-induced calcium signaling, the subsequent downstream signaling pathways and the biological impact of its activation remain elusive. METHODS To identify gene expression of the receptors and ion channels of interest in human and mouse endometrial epithelial cells, RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization experiments were conducted. Calcium microfluorimetric experiments were performed to study their functional expression. RESULTS We showed that trypsin evoked intracellular calcium oscillations in EEC of mouse and human, and identified the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) as the molecular entity initiating protease-induced calcium responses in EEC. In addition, this study unraveled the molecular players involved in the downstream signaling of PAR2 by showing that depletion and re-filling of intracellular calcium stores occurs via PLC, IP3R and the STIM1/Orai1 complex. Finally, in vitro experiments in the presence of a specific PAR2 agonist evoked an upregulation of the 'Window of implantation' markers in human endometrial epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the blastocyst-derived protease signaling and allocate a key role for PAR2 as maternal sensor for signals released by the developing blastocyst.
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Grants
- C14/18/106 Research Council of the KU Leuven
- C14/18/106 Research Council of the KU Leuven
- C14/18/106 Research Council of the KU Leuven
- C14/18/106 Research Council of the KU Leuven
- G.0D1417N, G.084515N, G.0A6719N, 12R4622N, 12U7918N Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- G.0D1417N, G.084515N, G.0A6719N, 12R4622N, 12U7918N Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- G.0D1417N, G.084515N, G.0A6719N, 12R4622N, 12U7918N Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- G.0D1417N, G.084515N, G.0A6719N, 12R4622N, 12U7918N Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- G.0D1417N, G.084515N, G.0A6719N, 12R4622N, 12U7918N Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hennes
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna Devroe
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Ciprietti
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katharina Held
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Luyten
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Van Ranst
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nina Maenhoudt
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 804, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Peeraer
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 804, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 611, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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